3 days ago
Unions say workers should be allowed to down tools during heatwaves
Angela Rayner previously advocated for Britons to have the right to stop working during heatwaves, urging the then-Conservative government to introduce guidance on safe working temperatures, it has emerged.
During the 2022 heatwave, when temperatures reached 40C, the now-deputy prime minister called for employers to control workplace temperatures through measures like extra breaks and flexible working.
Health secretary Wes Streeting and other Labour figures have also previously supported legislation for maximum workplace temperatures.
Unions GMB and Unite are reportedly in talks with ministers to establish a legal limit of 27C for manual jobs, though the Health and Safety Executive's new guidance is not expected to set maximum temperature rules.
Other European countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, and Germany already have maximum working temperatures or mandatory breaks during summer months.
