Temperatures in the workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace.

They suggest that the minimum temperature in a workplace should be at least 16ºC, or if the work involves rigorous physical exertion, it can be as low as 13ºC.

However, there are no laws which specify that workers can stop working if the temperature gets too hot.

But every employer has a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and must protect the wellbeing of their employees under UK employment law. This legal obligation is otherwise known as ‘Duty of care’.

If an employer neglects their responsibility, and this results in someone falling unwell or being injured, that person may be able to claim compensation.

Employers are expected to do whatever is ‘reasonably practicable’ to safeguard their workers’ wellbeing, and they must provide a safe environment where staff are not at risk of falling ill from the heat.

This requires carrying out regular risk assessments and acting on the results.

Employers must also take into consideration those with existing health conditions that could be affected to a greater extent by the high temperatures, such as those who are medically vulnerable or pregnant.

It is ultimately up to the employer to decide if it is too hot to work, but if you are feeling hot and unable to work/concentrate, then the likelihood is that your team are feeling this way too, and you should therefore act on it.

Get in touch to see how we can help you. You can book your FREE 15 minute consultation with a member of the Meraki HR team here.