Sadiq Khan backs calls for maximum workplace temperature in UK

Lead

London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed calls for a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as pressure grows on the government to protect workers from the impact of repeated heatwaves across the country. The extreme heat has left people struggling to cope as temperatures in some workplaces climb above 40C, causing thousands of schools to close and putting strain on hospital and transport systems.

The UK has health and safety guidance on minimum workplace temperatures but nothing for maximums, despite rising summer heat attributed to the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis. Trade unions and campaigners have repeatedly called for a maximum indoor work temperature, with Unison and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) demanding a limit of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work.

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian’s reporting has highlighted the legislative push by Green party MP Hannah Spencer, who said she plans to introduce a bill in parliament that would pave the way for a workplace heat limit. The bill, if passed, would create an independent body to recommend maximum safe workplace temperatures and set out how those recommendations should be implemented.

Spencer, who worked as a plumber before being elected as an MP in a by-election in February, has spoken about the “unfair” temperatures tradespeople must work in. “From bus and train drivers sweltering in cabins that are hotter than the soaring temperatures outside and bakers working in temperatures of over 40 degrees, to builders whose workplaces offer no respite from the heat, the government has a duty to protect all of us,” she said. She described the lack of maximum temperature guidance as “absurd” and noted that workers and trade unions have been raising the alarm for many years. She urged the government to look to countries like Spain, where maximum temperatures are imposed based on the type of work being carried out, and where workers can adjust their hours during heatwaves.

Khan, one of Labour’s most senior elected officials, has backed the idea. A spokesperson for the mayor said extreme heat is “becoming a growing reality” for people in the capital, which has been one of the worst-hit places during this summer’s heatwaves. Khan has launched an initiative to help London adapt to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, though his spokesperson noted that the mayor does not have the power to introduce enforceable maximum temperature rules.

The Guardian has also reported on the impact of heatwaves on transport workers, particularly bus drivers in the West Midlands. Drivers working for National Express described conditions in their cabs as “horrendous” and “unbearable,” with temperatures reaching 40C. One driver said, “You’re sweating down your back, your face … it’s just been terrible, it’s just been too hot.” Another said, “It’s like you’ve wet yourself. Your shirt is wringing wet. We’ve even had passengers pass out on the bus.” The drivers, who each have more than 20 years of experience, criticised the absence of adequate air conditioning, which they said threatened the safety of employees and passengers.

The UK has experienced a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 34C nine times this year. The June heatwave alone was estimated to have killed 440 people a day during its three-day peak. The Met Office has warned that climate extremes are becoming the “new ‘normal’” for the UK.

Key Claims

• Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill in parliament to pave the way for a maximum workplace temperature in the UK.
• The UK has health and safety guidance on minimum workplace temperatures but nothing for maximum temperatures.
• Unison and the TUC have called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work.
• The Climate Change Committee has recommended setting maximum work temperature regulations to address the increasing risks posed to workers' safety.
• The UK has experienced a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 34C nine times this year.
• Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, is backing calls for a maximum workplace temperature.
• Bus drivers in the West Midlands have experienced “horrendous” working conditions during heatwaves, with temperatures in their cabs reaching 40C.

Perspectives

Mayor of London: Sadiq Khan supports a maximum workplace temperature, viewing extreme heat as a growing reality for Londoners, though he lacks the power to implement such rules.

Green Party MP: Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill to create an independent body to recommend maximum safe temperatures, criticising the government’s inaction as “absurd” and calling for urgent protection for workers.

Trade Unions: Unison and the TUC have long demanded a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C (27C for strenuous work), and the Unite union has supported bus drivers in their complaints about heat conditions.

Bus Drivers: Drivers in the West Midlands describe their working conditions during heatwaves as “horrendous” and “unbearable,” citing inadequate air conditioning and safety concerns.

Climate Change Committee: The advisory body has recommended setting maximum work temperature regulations to address risks to workers' safety and incentivise cooling measures.

Government: The government has announced that the Health and Safety Executive would launch a public consultation on the issue this year, but has no plans to introduce a mandatory maximum workplace temperature.