UK Should Set Maximum Working Temperature Rules, Advisers Say
Successive governments have failed to prepare the UK for extreme heat, the climate watchdog says.
ground.newsHere’s the latest on maximum working temperatures in the UK, based on recent reporting up to May 2026.
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What’s being considered: UK climate advisers (the Climate Change Committee, CCC) have urged the government to introduce maximum working temperature regulations to protect workers during heatwaves. They also recommend installing cooling infrastructure (air conditioning, heat pumps) in critical public services and buildings, and adjusting infrastructure and housing to cope with a warming climate. These proposals do not specify an exact maximum temperature in all reports, but some outlets mention candidates around the mid-20s to upper 20s Celsius for workplaces, with stricter limits for strenuous work. [BBC coverage and multiple outlets summarize the CCC’s call for formal maximum temperature rules and cooling measures; see May 19–26, 2026 reporting.][2][3][10]
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Suggested targets in framing discussions: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and unions have previously advocated for maximum indoor workplace temperatures around 27–30°C, with exemptions for physically demanding tasks, and for employers to implement cooling measures when temperatures rise. The CCC’s framing emphasizes legal maximums alongside practical adaptations rather than a single fixed number, and several articles note 27°C as a commonly cited benchmark in related discussions. [Mirror, Independent, Usdaw coverage; May 2026 articles.][3][7][8]
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What’s happening now: There is no single UK law yet setting a universal maximum workplace temperature as of May 2026. The CCC’s report is prompting government consideration and potential policy development, with ongoing media coverage debating the exact threshold and implementation details. Expect further government position papers or parliamentary debates in the coming months as temperature extremes continue. [BBC summary and multiple outlets; ongoing coverage.][5][10]
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Practical guidance today: In the absence of a UK-wide maximum temperature law, current guidance emphasizes maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures (typical minimums around 16°C for general work, lower targets for strenuous activity), ensuring good ventilation, and providing cooling or rest breaks during heat. Employers are advised to plan for heatwaves with flexible scheduling, hydration, and access to cooler spaces where possible. [BBC/USDAW summaries and HSE guidelines referenced in coverage.][8][5]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest UK government statements or CCC reports directly and summarize any proposed temperature thresholds, plus what workplaces in your sector (e.g., offices, manufacturing, healthcare) might need to prepare. I can also set up a quick timeline of key announcements as they’re released. Just tell me which format you prefer (brief update, detailed brief, or a timeline).