With the UK continuing to experience increasingly frequent heatwaves and periods of extreme summer temperatures, employers are once again asking an important question: when does it become too hot for employees to work?
Many people are surprised to learn that, despite the growing focus on workplace wellbeing during hot weather, there is still no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. The law requires employers to maintain a “reasonable” temperature in indoor workplaces, but it does not set a specific upper limit.
By contrast, HSE guidance continues to suggest a minimum workplace temperature of 16°C, or 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort.
Employers Still Have Legal Duties
The absence of a maximum temperature does not mean employers can ignore excessive heat. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, indoor workplaces must be maintained at a reasonable temperature during working hours. In addition, employers must assess and manage health and safety risks arising from high temperatures under wider health and safety legislation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that heat is a workplace hazard and should be managed in the same way as any other health and safety risk. Employers should consider factors such as:
- Air temperature;
- Humidity;
- Ventilation;
- Physical demands of the role;
- Exposure to direct sunlight; and
- Any protective clothing or PPE that employees are required to wear.
Growing Pressure for a Legal Maximum
The debate around maximum workplace temperatures has not gone away. Trade unions and campaign groups continue to call for legally enforceable limits, with proposals typically suggesting a maximum workplace temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for physically demanding work. However, as of July 2026, no such legislation has been introduced.
The Government and HSE have maintained the position that a universal maximum temperature would be difficult to implement because what is reasonable in an office environment may be very different from conditions in sectors such as manufacturing, bakeries, commercial kitchens or foundries.
Practical Steps for Employers
During periods of hot weather, employers should adopt a proactive and common-sense approach. HSE guidance recommends measures such as:
- Providing effective ventilation and airflow;
- Using fans, air conditioning or cooling systems where appropriate;
- Ensuring access to plentiful drinking water;
- Allowing more frequent rest breaks;
- Relaxing dress codes where possible;
- Moving employees away from direct sunlight and heat sources;
- Adjusting working patterns to avoid the hottest parts of the day; and
- Considering hybrid or home working arrangements where practical.
A Matter of Employee Wellbeing
With climate experts predicting that hotter summers will become increasingly common in the UK, employers should not wait for legislation before taking action. Excessive workplace temperatures can affect concentration, productivity and, in serious cases, employee health and safety.
While there may be no legal maximum temperature at present, employers remain under a duty to protect their workforce. Taking sensible steps to manage heat risks is not only good practice—it is an important part of meeting those legal obligations and supporting employee wellbeing
This article was originally published on: 8 July 2026
