13-08-2025
Millions of workers allowed to down tools if it gets too hot in plans for major rule shake-up
But critics say it could mean yet more red tape for business
IN THE WORKS Millions of workers allowed to down tools if it gets too hot in plans for major rule shake-up
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MILLIONS of workers would be allowed to down tools if it gets too hot under plans for a major rule-shake up.
New health and safety measures could see binmen, builders and other manual labour workers demand extra protection during the hot weather.
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Millions of workers would be allowed to down tools in high temperatures under new plans
Credit: Getty
Brits have been hitting beaches across the country this week as temperatures hit a balmy 34C for some parts of the UK.
The proposals from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) come as union bosses push ministers for a maximum legal working temperature of 27C for manual jobs.
The industry regulator has said there should be a safe minimum temperature as it amends an approved code of practice for working conditions first created in 1992.
But they are not expected to implement a specific legal maximum.
Instead, there are plans to tell employers to undertake "heat stress assessments" if temperatures are high enough.
This means manual workers would be provided more support such as more rest breaks and better access to shade and water.
Other countries across Europe already have something similar in place.
This summer, Greece told manual workers they had to take a break between noon and 5pm while Spain, Italy and Germany also have maximum temperature rules in place.
Rob Miguel, health and safety adviser at the Unite Union said it was "vital" that health and safety laws are updated and urged the government to "get a move on".
The general secretary at the Trades Union Congress, Paul Nowak, added that we need to "adapt" as heatwaves become more common.
UK enjoys 30 degree temperatures as heatwave causes temperatures to soar
"We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating," he said.
Other union officials have said there should be a maximum temperature in the same way there is a legal minimum temperature.
Employers are already starting to take various steps to make working conditions safer and more manageable in scorching temperatures.
For example, some local councils have changed shift patterns for binmen to start as early as 5am to avoid the worst of the heat during the day.
But some have argued the legislation will worsen productivity and put a further burden on businesses.
Mike Wood, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, said: "Giving the public sector an excuse to clock off the moment the mercury rises will be a recipe for productivity to plummet even further."
Elsewhere, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the hot weather "won't last long" and urged Brits to "keep calm and carry on".
Businesses have also questioned the proposals for a legal maximum temperature saying it could mean yet more red tape.
A Government spokesperson said there were "no plans" to introduce a maximum workplace temperature.
While a HSE spokesperson said the risk extreme heat poses to workers must be "properly assessed".
"We're working with the Government to bring forward detailed proposals for consultation on workplace temperature," they said.
