UK workers may soon win right to stop work in dangerous heat, After years of calls

For many years, The Workers Union — a small but distinctive voice in workplace advocacy — has been calling for decisive action to protect employees during extreme weather. Despite its size, the organisation has consistently placed UK workers at the heart of its mission, urging for the introduction of legal safeguards to address rising workplace temperatures.

Now, that message appears to have finally reached the ears of policymakers. Millions of workers in England could soon benefit from a major legislative change, allowing them to pause work when temperatures soar beyond safe limits. Under new proposals, employees in certain industries — particularly those engaged in manual or outdoor labour — could gain unprecedented protection with working conditions and employee wellbeing during heatwaves.

The potential shift comes amid growing concern over climate change and the frequency of extreme weather events in the UK. This year alone, the country has endured four separate heatwaves, with the most recent bringing sweltering conditions across large parts of England.

As UK workers face a sweltering heatwave this week, The Workers Union has been at the forefront of this issue for many years, consistently calling for a clear legal limit on working temperatures. Its campaign has argued that rising summer heat poses a real threat to the health and safety of employees across all sectors, particularly those working in demanding or outdoor roles. A spokesperson for The Workers Union said:

“As the heat rises: Why Britain needs a legal limit on working temperatures. This is not just a matter of comfort — it is about protecting lives, preventing illness, and ensuring employers take their duty of care seriously. Every worker deserves to know that their safety comes before productivity when conditions become dangerous.”

Political and industry reaction

Not everyone agrees with the proposals. Mike Wood, shadow Cabinet Office minister, warned that allowing public sector staff to leave work when the mercury rises could harm productivity. “Giving the public sector an excuse to clock off the moment the mercury rises will be a recipe for productivity to plummet even further,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Labour Party spokesperson stated there were currently “no plans” to legislate for a maximum workplace temperature.

In response, a HSE spokesperson stressed the importance of balancing safety and productivity, adding: “The risk extreme heat poses to workers must be properly assessed as we head through summer. We’re working with the Government to bring forward detailed proposals for consultation on workplace temperature.”

A growing safety imperative

While the debate continues, the momentum for reform is stronger than ever. The climate data is undeniable: UK summers are becoming hotter, heatwaves more frequent, and workplace conditions more challenging. Without intervention, these trends will only worsen, potentially affecting the health, wellbeing, and long-term productivity of the nation’s workforce.

For The Workers Union, this is a welcome development — even if credit is unlikely to be given. The organisation has long understood that protecting workers from heat-related risks is not just a matter of comfort, but of safety, dignity, and fairness.

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