Labour announces plans to force employers to give staff more breaks in hot weather
2 min read
A Labour government would make employers give their staff more breaks and ensure their workplace has air-conditioning if the weather is too hot, the party has said.
The plan would see firms forced to intervene if the temperature goes above 30 degrees Celsius – or 27 degrees Celsius in strenuous jobs.
The party unveiled the proposal as the UK prepares to face potentially its hottest day on record.
New rules would force employers to allow flexible working and travel arrangements, extra breaks, access to water, air conditioning, flexible dress codes or more protective clothing.
Companies are currently obliged to ensure that the temperature is "comfortable" for their staff, however there is no legal limit on when it is deemed too hot for workers whose role is based indoors to do their job.
And there is only guidance on when it is accepted as too cold - at 16 degrees Celsius, or 13 degrees Celsius if the role involves physical tasks.
Labour said its proposed Royal Commission on Health and Safety at Work would bring forward “realistic proposals” that would protect workers from “extreme or uncomfortable temperatures at work”.
Shadow minister for labour, Laura Pidcock said: “As we’re all being reminded this week, working in hot conditions is really uncomfortable, often stressful and it makes us less productive and even ill.
"Plus it’s often the lowest paid and most insecure workers who suffer the most.
"That’s why the next Labour government will demand that employers look after the needs of their workers during heatwaves like this.
"We believe everyone should have the right to basic protections from working in unbearably hot conditions."
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