THE current heatwave has prompted the TUC to repeat calls for a maximum temperature in the workplace.
The trade union group points out that although the law states that staff should work in a reasonable temperature, there is no legal maximum.

Employees are not expected to work when the temperature drops below 16ºC (or 13ºC if they do physically demanding work), but there are no similar restrictions for when the workplace becomes too hot.

The TUC would like to see the law changed so there is an absolute indoor maximum of 30ºC, with employers forced to introduce cooling measures when the temperature hits 24ºC.

When the temperature goes sky high at work, stiflingly hot working conditions affect concentration, making workers feel tired and more likely to endanger their own or their colleagues' safety, says the TUC.

The installation and regular maintenance of air conditioning is one of the suggestions made by the TUC to keep workers cool.

And with our summers predicted to get hotter and drier over the coming years as a result of climate change, keeping workplaces and staff cool is going to be of increasing concern for employers, warns the TUC.