Green MP Hannah Spencer is set to introduce a bill in parliament that would establish a legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as the country faces increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. The legislation, if passed, would create an independent body to recommend safe temperature limits and outline how these should be implemented.
Background and Support
Campaigners and unions have long criticised the UK for having only minimum workplace temperature guidance, despite rising summer temperatures driven by climate change. Unison and the Trade Union Congress have called for a maximum indoor temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work. Spencer, a former plumber elected in the Gorton and Denton byelection in February, highlighted the challenges tradespeople face. She said bus and train drivers work in cabins hotter than outside, bakers endure temperatures over 40°C, and builders have no relief from the heat. “The government has a duty to protect all of us,” she stated.
Quote from Spencer
Spencer described the lack of maximum temperature guidance as “absurd,” noting that workers and trade unions have raised the issue for years. She pointed to recent heatwaves causing “absolute chaos” and a “massive human cost,” yet the government has not acted. She urged the UK to follow countries like Spain, where maximum temperatures are set based on work type and workers can adjust hours during heatwaves.
Cross-Party Support
The bill is expected to receive cross-party backing, including from Labour MPs Rebecca Long-Bailey, Alex Sobel, and Nadia Whittome, the SNP's Graham Leadbitter, Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts, and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.
Opposition and Current Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has argued that a universal maximum temperature is impractical because heat can come from workplace activities, like bakery ovens, rather than weather. There is no legal minimum temperature, but HSE guidance recommends 16°C (61°F), or 13°C for strenuous work.
Climate Change Committee Report
In May, the Climate Change Committee recommended setting maximum work temperature regulations to address risks to workers' safety and incentivise cooling measures. No specific temperature was proposed, and the government has not yet responded. However, the government announced the HSE will launch a public consultation on updating its guidance, which may include temperature thresholds.
Record Heat
Temperatures have exceeded 34°C nine times this year, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020. There have been six separate days of 35°C or higher for the first time. The record-breaking heatwave would have been impossible without fossil fuel burning driving climate change. Forecasters say the scorching conditions will last until at least Wednesday across much of England and Wales.
