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Jo Mackie, Director and Head of Employment, discusses how employers have a duty of care to protect employees during a heatwave, despite the lack of legal protections around working in hot temperatures.

Jo’s comments were published in The Sun, 26 June 2023, and can be found here.

“There is actually no upper limit on temperature, only a lower limit. Your employer has a duty of care to ensure you are safe in the workplace, and this extends to maintaining a reasonable temperature.

“You’ll need be extra cautious and prepare yourself with lots of water and sun protection to minimise risk of sunburn as well as dehydration.

“You may have to wear uniform, depending on its function. For example if it’s protective then a reasonable employer will liaise with staff to ensure all that can be done is done to keep employees comfortable and safe at work.”