The UK currently does not have any laws around workplace temperatures, however government workplace regulations do state that all employers should keep indoor work areas at a “reasonable” temperature.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), says employers must stick to the health and safety at work law, which includes keeping temperatures at a “comfortable” level, and “providing clean and fresh air”.
Those who back the bill say that does not go far enough, and the UK should instead follow countries like Spain which already imposes a maximum work temperature of 27C for sedentary office work and 25C for light physical labour.
The bill was introduced by Green Party MP Hannah Spence in July and is due to have its second reading in October.
Unison and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have also called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work.
Sobel says the bill would help improve people’s health.
“If we don’t do this people will go off sick because of the heat, and so this bill will ensure a more productive workplace, and businesses should welcome this.”
