GMB, Britain’s general union, has backed Labour’s call for a maximum temperature.
With temperatures set to reach a scorching 37 degrees this week, Labour is calling for a legal threshold to protect workers and force bosses to act.
Under Labour policy, the indoor workplace temperature goes over 30C – or 27C – for those doing strenuous work employers will have to put in place effective temperature controls to help workers keep cool.
Meanwhile a proposed Royal Commission on Health and Safety at Work with bringing forward realistic proposals to protect all workers – including all outdoor workers – from extreme or uncomfortable temperatures at work.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said:“A lot of workers don’t have air conditioned offices, when a heat wave really hits there can be serious – even deadly – implications.
“Employers can’t just see this a seasonal irritation and force workers to crack on regardless of how hot it is. It’s not safe.
“The law as it stands doesn’t properly protect working people – we need a maximum working temperature enshrined in law because everyone has the right to come home from work safe and healthy.”
Health warning as summer holiday heatwave sweeps UK from today click here