Government issues statement on maximum working temperature as heatwave fries UK

It comes as the UK experienced its hottest ever June day this week

Earlier this week the previous amber warning was upgraded to a red 'danger to life' extreme heat weather warning by the Met Office.

With Keir Starmer cranking up the old weather machine as one last hoorah after resigning earlier this week as prime minister, it looks like we're set for some scorching heat as high as 38C in some places.

Government addresses working in the heat

With so much debate raging around the ongoing heat currently scorching the earth of the UK, the government has addressed what the law says around working in the heat.

Publishing yesterday (25 June) to the Commons Library website, a research briefing outlined the rules around working in the heat.

The report addressed that there is, of course, no maximum workplace temperature established in law in the UK, but that the Labour government has "recognised 'regularly unacceptably high' temperatures in some sectors and committed to modernising health and safety guidance relating to extreme temperatures."

The report also referenced a recent discussion of the topic in parliament.

In June 2026, the government responded to a parliamentary question asking about the merits of introducing a maximum workplace temperature.

The government explained that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would consult on its Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for workplace health and safety:

This suggests some change could seen be on the way in regards to working in extreme heat.

Sadiq Khan calls on maximum temperatures for work and school

All this comes as the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called on a maximum temperature for work and school to be implemented in the UK earlier this week.

He told LBC: “Sometimes in winter months schools and workplaces shouldn’t be too cold just as in summer they shouldn’t be too hot.

“I think it’s really important for each individual employer and headteacher to make a common-sense decision based on what’s right for them.

“For some children at school today, though, it’s probably cooler than their home and that’s why it’s really important to be pragmatic and dextrous when it comes to these sorts of decisions.”

What are the rules on working in hot temperatures in the UK?

However while some readers may rejoice at the higher temperatures, it could pose some problems for anyone working over the next few weeks.

For commuters in London, for example, many of its features aren't equipped for warm weather, including several Underground lines.

Additionally, some of the capital's historic buildings and offices weren't built to stay cool and don't have the best circulation when temperatures rise.

So, it's safe to say you can count your blessings if you work in one of the city's more modern buildings.

Nonetheless, not all hope is lost if you don't, as bosses need to be mindful of office temperatures according to the Workplace Regulations set out in 1992.

Those regulations state that employers must legally provide a workplace with a "reasonable" temperature and good ventilation.

However, there is no minimum temperature or temperature limit for workplaces, meaning employers rather rely on recommendations than actual law.

According to the Approved Code of Practice, the lowest recommended temperature is 16ºC, or 13ºC when it's physical work, but there's no such guidance for other lines of work.

For that reason, it's more up to what your boss considers a "reasonable" workplace temperature.

Temperatures only set to get warmer

A new report from the climate change committee (CCC) recommended introducing maximum workplace temperatures, amid the risks of climate change to the UK.

The CCC's report said that by 2050, summer in the UK is predicted to be 'significantly warmer', with temperatures of 40C or even 45C expected to be seen in southern areas of the country.

“Maximum working temperature regulations would address the increasing risks that high temperatures pose to workers’ safety and incentivise the deployment of the necessary cooling," the report said.

"Businesses are largely responsible for investing in their own adaptations but must ensure that workplaces and working practices are safe for employees, including for those working outside.”

The CCC highlighted Spain as an example of a country with legal limits on temperature in the workplace.

Employers in Spain are responsible for meeting the requirement of 27C for sedentary work and 25C for light physical work, and if they fail to do so then employees can report them.

However, the workplace regulator Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are expected to stop short of introducing a legal maximum limit, in their development for plans of protections during hot weather.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the government will “carefully consider” the CCC's recommendations.

“We are acting to protect people and places from the impacts of climate change that are already being felt across the UK – from flooding to extreme heat and drought.

“Robust, independent science is essential and we will carefully consider the climate change committee’s latest recommendations to drive further action.”