The rules on demanding a day off work during roasting 30C heatwave
We've had hot spells before - just last month it hit 31.3C in Roscommon - but it fell short of the heatwave mark. This time, Met Eireann says we're in for the real deal, with roasting conditions set to last well into next week.
For many, that means BBQs, beach trips and ice creams. But for workers stuck in stuffy offices, on hot factory floors or even at home without air con, the heat can feel unbearable, leaving many to wonder: When it gets this hot, are you within your rights to leave work?
The rules can differ based on whether you're working in an office or working from home.
At present, Irish law sets a minimum workplace temperature (17.5C, or 16C for physically demanding jobs) but no maximum limit. Employers are legally obliged to keep staff safe, but as long as they're making "reasonable efforts" - such as providing fans, adjusting dress codes or offering water breaks - you're unlikely to be sent home on full pay just because the office feels like a sauna.
But that could soon change. Labour's health spokesperson Marie Sherlock has called for legally defined maximum temperature limits in workplaces, warning that with climate change driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, the risk to workers' health is growing. She's backing calls from the European Trade Union Confederation for a binding EU directive on occupational heat exposure, similar to laws in Germany (26C max) and Spain (27C).
Marie said prolonged high temperatures "may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant - and, in some cases, it may be dangerous" especially in poorly ventilated spaces or outdoors without shade and water. She wants mandatory heat risk assessments, workplace cooling plans and financial supports so no worker loses out if their workplace shuts early during extreme heat.
Until any such laws are passed, the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation's stance is that most employees should "bear with temporary discomfort" if the employer is making a reasonable effort to cool things down. Refusing to work without extreme conditions could be seen as a breach of contract.
And while that covers traditional offices and worksites, the rules get murkier for those working from home - often without air con or proper ventilation.
Mike Hibbs, employment partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, told Mirror Money: "The fact that many employees are still working from home does not mean that employers can suddenly forget their health and safety responsibilities. All the usual rules apply, including the need to risk assess homes as suitable working environments.
"In the workplace, employers usually rely on air conditioning and ventilation to regulate temperatures. However, at home many employees may not have this option and their only means of keeping cool will be to open windows."
Open windows can create more problems than it solves depending on your work. Mike said: "The potential for disturbance by noisy neighbours and street noise can make this impractical, especially if their work involves making telephone or video calls."
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