A historic heatwave across the United Kingdom has prompted trade unions to demand a legal maximum working temperature after London's Kew Gardens recorded an all-time meteorological spring high of 34.8°C on Monday, May 25, 2026.
The Met Office warned that temperatures could climb to 36°C on Tuesday before intense afternoon thunderstorms bring potential travel disruptions.
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Currently, British legislation under the Workplace Regulations 1992 enforces a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work, but specifies no upper legal limit.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) issued a policy paper pushing for legislative reform to protect workers as climate change drives more frequent summer heatwaves.
Government guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive note that while there is no maximum limit, employers have a legal duty of care to maintain a comfortable environment and provide fresh air.
Union Proposes 30°C Cap
The TUC has called for a maximum temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for those doing strenuous work, so that employers and workers know when action must be taken.
The union group noted that employers should initiate cooling measures as soon as indoor spaces surpass 24°C, in line with World Health Organization comfort standards.
Simple workplace adjustments like closing blinds, opening windows, or adjusting staffing rotations can significantly reduce thermal stress.
“Whatever thermometers read, if most people are complaining of the heat, common sense says that it is too hot and something must be done immediately,” the TUC asserted.
Employer Guidance and Safety Duties
Workplace expert Acas released practical guidance covering hydration, ventilation, and flexible scheduling.
“The warmer weather will be welcomed by many, but for some staff getting into work, or those working in warmer environments, it can be uncomfortable,” said Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie.
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He highlighted that heat impacts public transport infrastructure and poses heightened risks to vulnerable workers with specific health conditions or disabilities.
Legal experts urged management to actively monitor staff for heat exhaustion.
“Employers should take the heat seriously and use common sense,” said Joel Combes, managing director of automotive legal firm Lawgistics.
He emphasized that companies must integrate heat-related risk assessments into their standard workplace planning, ensuring access to water, regular breaks, and cooler areas.
Employers still have legal health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, so heat-related risks should be considered as part of normal workplace planning.
Meanwhile, coastal safety teams faced intense pressure as citizens flocked to beaches during the long holiday weekend.
Lifeboat crews out of Southend responded to 15 emergency calls between Saturday and Monday to assist swimmers and individuals stranded by shifting tides.
“We're pretty proud to announce that well over 50 people have managed to survive by using the float method,” said Nigel Gilchrist from the RNLI lifeboat station in Southend.
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Climate scientists linked the early arrival of these extreme weather patterns directly to broader global climate shifts, noting that heat events are emerging earlier and intensifying faster.
