UK heatwave: What temperature is too hot to work in?

EnvironmentHealth & Fitness
26 May 2026 • 10:08 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

UK heatwave: What temperature is too hot to work in?

  • The Met Office has warned that May's hottest temperature record could be broken again on Tuesday.
  • Amber and yellow heat health alerts in place across several English regions have been extended until 5pm on Thursday.
  • While there is no legal maximum working temperature in the UK, employers are legally required to ensure “reasonable” temperatures for staff, according to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas).
  • The service notes that employers should conduct “health and safety risk assessments” for extreme temperatures and reduce any identified risks.
  • The advisory Climate Change Committee (CCC) has previously recommended mandatory maximum temperature regulations for workers to safeguard against heatwaves.

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