MPs are campaigning for a new law which would see Britons sent home if the temperature within their working environment exceeds 30 degrees, according to workplacelaw.net.
A recent heatwave in the UK has seen temperatures soar to 32 degrees in some places, which some claim is too hot for staff to work in. Labour MP Linda Riordan is tabling a parliamentary early-day motion, which has already attracted 17 MP signatures since it was introduced earlier this week.
Riordan argues that the soaring temperatures can have a serious impact on the health and well-being of employees, particularly those working in insulated areas, like industrial bakeries or school classrooms. She claimed these well-being issues cover increased stress, discomfort, irritability, headaches, dizziness and fainting.
If introduced, the new legislation could impact everyone from those running a family business to large, multinational companies. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has backed the plans for maximum working temperatures, also proposing a 30-degree limit for most, or 27-degree limit for those carrying out strenuous work.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations currently state that no workplace should drop below 16 degrees or 13 degrees if severe physical effort is involved, however there are currently no guidelines for maximum workplace temperatures.
The early day motion has no prospect of becoming law just yet, but it does provide information about the levels of concern amongst MPs, according to telegraph.co.uk.