UK urged to set maximum workplace temperature as heatwave risk rises

TL;DR: Climate advisers demand a legal ceiling on indoor heat to shield workers and spur cooling upgrades as over 90% of UK homes face overheating by mid‑century.

Context The Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned that extreme heat, drought and flooding are reshaping daily life in Britain. Last year set a record for warmth, and the winter of 2023‑24 brought historic flooding. In response, the government pledged to review the committee’s advice while continuing flood‑defence spending.

Key Facts - The CCC estimates adapting to climate change will require roughly £11 billion of extra investment each year, split between public and private sectors. - More than 90% of existing UK homes could overheat during future severe heatwaves, according to the committee’s mid‑century projection. - Baroness Brown, chair of the CCC’s Adaptation Committee, criticised successive governments for failing to prioritise climate adaptation, saying aspects of the British way of life are now “under threat from climate.” - The committee points to Spain’s legal indoor temperature limits—27 °C for sedentary work and 25 °C for light physical work—as a model, though it does not prescribe a specific UK figure. - Cooling solutions such as air‑conditioning, heat‑pump systems that can both heat and cool, and green shading are highlighted as essential for workplaces, schools and hospitals. - Baroness Brown noted that productivity drops sharply in high heat and error rates rise, increasing accident risk.

What It Means A statutory temperature cap would force employers to install or upgrade cooling infrastructure, creating a market for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning) technologies. The upfront cost could be offset by long‑term savings; the CCC argues that early investment may prevent tens of billions of pounds in damage each year.

The proposal also dovetails with broader adaptation ideas, such as shifting the school calendar to avoid exams in peak summer heat. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds affirmed that the government will consider the CCC’s recommendations, emphasizing the need for “robust, independent science.”

If legislation materialises, businesses will need to assess indoor temperature monitoring, retrofit cooling systems, and train staff on heat‑related health risks. The move could also influence building codes for new construction, embedding resilience into the built environment.

Looking ahead, watch for the government’s formal response to the CCC’s advice and any draft regulations that set a maximum indoor temperature for workplaces.