Now this is the sort of policy we can get on board with. Sadiq Khan has stated on Wednesday that he believes there should be ‘maximum workplace temperature’ limit across the UK, allowing schools and offices flexibility in dealing with extreme heat.
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What is a maximum workplace temperature?
Britain is baking in the midst of a serious heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to push the 40C mark in London over the next few days. Scorching conditions have prompted a rare ‘red warning’ for the Met Office, and workers are starting to feel the burn.
The top rail operators in the UK have advised against ‘all but essential travel’ across non-regional routes, plunging commuters into a chaotic situation. Given that this country isn’t exactly built for the heat, the London Mayor has implored a ‘common-sense’ rethink of working protocols.
“I think there should be both a minimum and maximum temperature. Sometimes in winter months schools and workplaces shouldn’t be too cold just as in summer they shouldn’t be too hot.”
“It’s 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.” | Sadiq Khan
Maximum workplace temperature: How hot is too hot?
Across Europe, there are already regulations in place which protect workers against rising mercury. In Belgium, employers are asked to give extra breaks to office workers at 29C, and at 22-26C for manual workers. Germany, meanwhile, imposes flexible working hours at 30C or above.
Closing schools and offices is a rare phenomenon across the continent – but it’s something that remains up for discussion. Another political figure calling for a maximum workplace temperature is Zack Polanski. The Green Party leader wants to see measures which will ‘heatproof’ the UK.