What employers can do in a heatwave

This year’s already seen more than one period of extremely high temperatures in the UK, and some workers are trying to take it a bit easier as a result.

Many workplaces aren't terribly well set up for the soaring heat – and that's a problem for productivity as well as employee satisfaction. Recent research from the London School of Economics (LSE) found that even an innocuous-seeming one-degree rise in temperature makes workers likely to reduce their hours by 9.9 per cent, and their effort by 9.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, a poll of workers commissioned by Virgin Media O2 Business found that more than four in ten UK workers admit to having “pulled a sickie” to make the most of hot weather, with that figure soaring to six in ten 18 to 24 year-olds. And the company's network traffic data for the June 2025 heatwave showed a noticeable drop once the temperature hit 30 degrees, suggesting employees are stepping away from their screens… whether that’s with permission or not. 

Heatwaves have also been found to make older workers more likely to quit their jobs, and younger ones less likely to take one.

With this in mind, there are therefore good business reasons for employers to do what they can to make workers' lives easier during a heatwave.

Perhaps surprisingly given the rising heat levels, there's no specific legislation covering maximum workplace temperatures in the UK, unlike other countries such as Spain and Germany, which have maximum working temperatures built into workers’ rights. 

However, employers are under certain obligations. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to provide a working environment that's safe and free from health risks. Thanks to the Employment and Human Rights Act 1996, meanwhile, employees can refuse to work if they believe that their health and safety is at risk and their workplace has become genuinely dangerous.

Employers also have a legal duty to keep workplaces at a 'reasonable' temperature – which could mean something very different, if for example,  there are staff who that need to wear heavy, protective clothing.

“Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day," says Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).  

“And employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing."

The TUC is calling for legislation requiring organisations to take steps to reduce temperatures if they rise above 24 degrees and workers feel uncomfortable. And, it says, work should stop completely beyond a maximum temperature of 30 degrees, or 32 degrees for those doing strenuous jobs.  It also wants more public and private investment to upgrade the UK's buildings and infrastructure, so that they're still safe and comfortable during heatwaves. 

Even without legislation, though, organisations should do what they can to help workers avoid melting in the heat.

"This includes offering flexible working arrangements where possible, for example allowing employees to work from home if they’re more comfortable and productive there, or flexible working hours where roles can’t be done from home." says Rachel Suff, Employee Relations Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). 

"Commuting can be arduous in very hot weather, so allowing people to stagger their start and finish times can help them to avoid peak-hour travel."

Once workers get to the office, says the CIPD, there should be fans if there’s no air conditioning, easy access to cold drinking water, and a relaxed dress code where possible. Organisations should be proactive about potential support and adjustments made ahead of any hot weather, for example by carrying out risk assessments, so that people can discuss options with their manager in advance. 

They should be particularly mindful of disabled people, pregnant women, and those with a health condition who could face extra challenges in the heat. And, advises the CIPD, they should also take special care with employees in outdoor and safety-critical roles, such as drivers and construction workers. This is because extreme temperatures can affect people’s concentration and cause fatigue, which may have safety implications.

A solution could be to provide shaded rest areas, restricting strenuous activity to cooler times of the day – before 11.00 and after 3.00 – and providing high-factor sun protection cream and cold water.

In the office, good ventilation can help, says the TUC, improving indoor air quality as well as lowering temperatures, lessening the buildup of damp and reducing the spread of viral infections. It recommends purge ventilation, also known as also known as 'rapid' or 'boost' ventilation, as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).

“With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt", says Novak. 

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