UK Heatwave and Work Temperature Regulations
In the UK, there is no legal threshold defining a temperature as too hot or too cold to work.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat affecting parts of England and Wales later this week.
Temperatures are expected to rise significantly over the coming days, potentially reaching 40°C in some areas by Wednesday and Thursday.
The red warning will be active from 09:00 on Wednesday until 21:00 on Thursday, covering central, southern, and south-east England, as well as parts of south Wales.
Will Schools Close Due to High Temperatures?
Several schools within the red warning zone have announced plans to close early or shut entirely during the peak heat period this week.
There is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms, and the government typically does not advise school closures due to heat. Instead, it maintains that schools can generally operate safely and emphasizes the importance of keeping children in school.
Teaching unions recommend that schools aim to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 26°C.
School leaders will monitor temperatures closely and refer to their risk assessments. They will also observe pupils for signs of increased fatigue, particularly among vulnerable students.
If a head teacher opts to close a school, they must consult with the chair of governors and their academy trust or employer beforehand.
Measures Schools Can Take to Manage Heat
Some parents may have already received communications from schools relaxing uniform policies, allowing children to wear PE kits instead.
Schools may adjust start and finish times to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Lessons might be relocated to cooler areas within the school. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recommends that children avoid vigorous physical activity during extreme heat, so PE lessons may be less intense than usual.
CO2 monitors can be utilized to ensure adequate ventilation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that schools may need to close windows later in the day if outdoor temperatures exceed indoor temperatures, and fans should not be used if temperatures surpass 35°C.
Teaching unions acknowledge that schools will employ all possible measures to maintain comfort for children and staff, though this may be challenging in some buildings.
They have called on the government to invest in enhancing the resilience of all school buildings against extreme weather.
How to Help Your Child Stay Cool at School
If uniform rules are relaxed, children should wear loose, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed sunhats where possible.
High SPF sunscreen should be applied, and some schools may request that students bring their own sunscreen to reapply during the day.
Schools will encourage children to drink plenty of water, and parents should remind their children at home about the importance of hydration.
Can You Keep Your Child Home Because of the Heat?
If the school remains open, the government advises that children should attend as usual.
School attendance is considered the best way for pupils to learn and achieve their potential.
Work Attendance During Extreme Heat
There is no UK law specifying a temperature at which it is too hot or too cold to work.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that employers must comply with health and safety laws, which include maintaining a "comfortable" temperature and providing clean, fresh air.
Workplace advice group Acas notes that, except in extreme cases, employees are generally required to follow their contracts and collaborate with employers to find safe working arrangements.
Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie says it is usually "a last resort in extreme circumstances" if a workplace must close or if a worker cannot travel or work due to heat.
"Any such decision should only be taken where there are no alternative options and should be communicated clearly and in good time," he adds, emphasizing that employers should be flexible and consider relaxing rules where possible.
Last month, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommended that the UK introduce a maximum workplace temperature to protect people as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change.
Regarding cold weather, the HSE advises that indoor workplaces should normally maintain a minimum temperature of 16°C, or 13°C if the work involves "rigorous physical effort."
What Employers Can Do to Keep Workplaces Cool
The HSE advises employers to allow flexible working where possible and relocate workers to cooler areas within buildings.
Relaxing dress codes and permitting sufficient breaks for cold drinks or cooling down can also be beneficial.
Employers may provide fans or air conditioning, and windows should be opened when feasible to promote air circulation.
For those working from home, it is recommended to close curtains to block sunlight during the day, and open windows on opposite sides of the home in the morning and evening to facilitate airflow. Fans can be used to enhance ventilation.
Outdoor Workers and Heat Risks
The HSE warns that outdoor work can pose serious health risks if heat hazards are not properly managed.
They suggest rescheduling work to cooler times of day, increasing rest breaks, providing shaded rest areas, and ensuring free access to cool drinking water.
Workers should be encouraged to remove personal protective equipment during breaks to aid cooling.
Acas advises that outdoor workers should wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Travel Considerations During the Heatwave
The heatwave may disrupt transport services, as hot weather can affect railway overhead power lines and cause rails to buckle.
Acas notes that public transport disruptions could impact staff attendance and punctuality.
They recommend checking timetables in advance and advise employers to be flexible.
National Highways advises drivers to carry ample drinking water for themselves and passengers and, if possible, to adjust travel times to avoid the hottest periods.
The RAC motoring group has suggested that drivers without effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing non-essential journeys until the heat warnings are lifted.
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