The minister in charge of the government’s emergency response to the heatwave has defended the UK’s vague laws on maximum workplace temperatures.
Keith Malthouse, who is chairing this weekend’s Cobra emergency committee meeting, cited the difference in temperature between offices and blast furnace facilities as a reason why the maximum limit may not be applicable.
Mr Malthouse was asked in the House of Commons by Labor MP Nadia Whittom whether the Government would “legislate on maximum working temperatures” – a key demand from unions in light of the heatwave.
The Trades Union Congress previously called for a maximum temperature of 30C or 27C for those doing strenuous work, while the GMB union on Monday said the maximum should be 25C.
Speaking on behalf of the government, cabinet minister Mr Malthouse replied: “The law as it stands now states that employers have a duty to maintain a reasonable temperature in the workplace.
“They haven’t defined it because circumstances can change, so if you’re working in front of a blast furnace, it’s different than working in an office.
“What we might find, certainly for a lot of people during that period, is that actually being at work is cooler than being at home.”
Under existing UK legislation, employers must ensure that indoor workplaces remain at a ‘reasonable’ temperature and also manage the risk of working outdoors in the heat.
And under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, workers also have the right to withdraw and refuse to return to a workplace that is unsafe.
Some countries in Europe and around the world have maximum workplace temperatures written into laws or collective agreements.
British heat
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
British heat
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
These laws generally apply to certain types of work or have contextual conditions – a simple solution to the blast furnace issue raised by the Minister.
According to data collected by the House of Commons library, in Spain, places where sedentary or light work takes place should be between 17°C and 27°C.
Spanish laws apply, taking into account “the limitations or conditions arising from the specific characteristics of the workplace”.
In Germany, a maximum temperature of 26°C is the norm, although this can be exceeded under certain conditions – for example, if the outside temperature is higher.
The General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions, Frances O’Grady, said: “We all love the sun, but working in a sweltering bakery or stuffy office can be unbearable and dangerous. Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with a relaxed dress code and flexible working to take advantage of the coolest hours of the day.
“Bosses need to make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, plenty of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.”
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