What ARE the rules for taking the day off work in the heatwave? Experts say staff have the right to leave if they get too hot (and you DON'T have to wear a suit to the office)

By RORY TINGLE, HOME AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT

Published: | Updated:

The Met Office has issued its first ever red warning for 'extreme heat', telling Britons to prepare for 'absolutely unprecedented 41C (106F) highs next Monday and Tuesday. 

The UK Health Security Agency issued a Level Four heat-health alert today covering the whole of England for both days, which warns: 'Illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.' 

So what does this mean if you are working during the heatwave? Are employers required by law to keep the temperature in the workplace below a certain level? 

Lewys Traylor, Legal Advisor at DAS Law, gives the lowdown on what employers and employees need to know.

There is no law that sets a maximum temperature in an office, but employers must be responsible

There is no law that sets a maximum temperature in an office, but employers must be responsible

Can I leave work if it's too hot? 

'There is no law that sets a maximum temperature in a workplace. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 simply say that the temperature should be ''reasonable''.

'What is ''reasonable'' will vary according to the type of workplace, although there have been attempts to put pressure on the government to set a maximum working temperature.

'On July 11, the TUC called for the introduction of an upper limit of 27C, at which point an employer would be required to take action, with an absolute maximum of 30C above which workers would not have to continue working. 

'However, that pressure has not resulted in any regulatory change, so employees who feel that their workplace is too warm should bring it to the attention of their employers, who should then consider what steps can and should be taken to address the issue.'

What about if I work outside? 

'There is no maximum temperature for those doing outside work, but the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states employers should do everything ''reasonably practicable'' to ensure a safe and healthy workplace, and this may include providing water or sunscreen as appropriate.'

Do I have to keep wearing a suit? 

'There is no general rule to say whether you must continue to wear a suit, or office wear, if temperatures spike. 

'This comes down to reasonable behaviour on the part of both the employer and the employee.

'Most workplaces will have a dress code and guidelines on what they consider to be acceptable standards of dress in the workplace, but employers should consider what is reasonable, and excessive heat is a health and safety issue so should be considered when making any decisions.'

Employers should consider whether they should continue to require staff to wear suits in hot weather

Employers should consider whether they should continue to require staff to wear suits in hot weather 

What should employers do? 

'The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that an employer should monitor the ''thermal comfort'' levels of employees, which describes their state of mind as to whether they feel too hot or cold. 

'If there is an issue in relation to the thermal comfort of staff, an employer should consider carrying out a risk assessment of the workplace. The HSE gives a 'thermal comfort checklist' to refer to.

'Additional steps should be taken for employees who are pregnant, suffering from a medical condition, or taking medicines that could be affected by the heat.

Exercise early in the morning, have a glass of water with every alcoholic drink and give your dog a damp towel to lie on... your guide to surviving the heatwave 

BY EMILY CRAIG FOR MAILONLINE 

How can hot weather be deadly?

Heatwaves kill up to 2,000 people in the UK each summer.

Hot weather can cause dehydration, which causes blood vessels to narrow and the blood to thicken. This can lead to blood clots and strokes. And overheating can make symptoms worse for those with heart and breathing problems - which can become fatal.

There is also a higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially if exercising outdoors when it's hot. 

Studies have also found accidents and injuries, such as from car crashes, are higher worldwide during hot spells. Experts believe this is because heat can interfere with thinking, making mistakes more likely.

What are the best ways to stay safe? 

People should avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm - when it's at its hottest and UV light is strongest - to stay cool and avoid sunburn.

Walking in the shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also reduce the risk of overheating.  Taking a bottle of water and putting on sun cream when venturing outdoors will also protect against the sun's effect. 

Those at home can keep temperatures lower by closing the curtains in rooms that face the sun. But they may want to venture outside if they find its hotter indoors.

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to stay hydrated and cool in a heatwave.  But people are advised to avoid alcohol, which raises body temperature, making it more likely a person will sweat and become dehydrated. This is on top of the dehydration alcohol triggers by making drinkers urinate more.

People should steer clear of sitting in a closed, parked vehicle, which can quickly overheat. And others, especially babies, children and animals, should not be left in a vehicle. 

Britons are also warned against exercising in the hottest part of the day. Early in the morning is the coolest time of day for outdoor activity.  While dipping into open water may seem tempting, people are warned to take care and follow local safety advice.

Who is the most at risk?

A heatwave can be risky for anyone, especially if they don't stay cool and hydrated. But older people, especially the over-75s, those living on their own or in care homes and those with long-term illnesses, such as heart or lunch conditions, are among the most at risk.

The heat wave also poses a greater problem for those who struggle to stay cool - including babies, young children, the bed bound and those with Alzheimer's. 

People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places - such as those in the top floor of a flat, the homeless and those who work outside - are more likely to suffer health complications.

How do you protect children from the sun?

Children should be kept out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, according to the National Childbirth Trust.

Children's skin is more sensitive than adults, so can burn and become damaged more quickly - raising the risk of skin cancer developing in later life, the British Skin Foundation warns.

Experts say babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct sun for the first six months.

And parents are advised to ensure they are protected by an SPF 50 sun cream that is reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

Parents can dress youngsters in loose cotton clothes, such as oversized T-shirts with sleeves as well as wide-brimmed hats that shade their face and neck. The back of the neck and shoulders are the most likely areas to get burnt when children are playing, so clothing that doesn't have gaps for the sun to get through are best.

Youngsters should also wear sunglasses to protect their eyes. 

While shade is best in the hot weather, covering a pram with a muslin or blanket can trap heat and cause children to overheat. Experts recommend using a parasol or sunshade designed for a buggy.

Dehydration is a risk for babies and children, who should drink more when the weather is hot. Breastfed babies will need more breastmilk, while formula-fed babies can be offered cold water.  Cars can get very hot in the sun, so babies and children should not be left. 

Can it ever be too hot for schools to be open?

There is no temperature threshold for closing schools or workplaces. But some schools have taken measures into their own hands.

Earlier this week, Les Quennevais School in Jersey sent home pupils because it was unable to open windows and does not have air conditioning. The secondary school also told students they can wear their PE kit for the remainder of term. 

The Hereford Academy posted on Facebook that classes will start and end earlier to avoid the hottest part of the day. And St Thomas More Catholic School in Willenhall, West Midlands took to the social media site to tell pupils and parents sports day was postponed to avoid hot temperatures at the start of next week. 

Schools do not have specific temperature guidance. Its covered in workplace advice published by the Government's Health and Safety Executive. It states: 'In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable. There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.'

But it warns that employers must 'stick to health and safety at work law', which includes 'keeping the temperature at a comfortable level' and 'providing clean and fresh air'.

And what about keeping pets safe?

Animals should have access to shade in hot weather and have a constant supply of fresh water to help them stay cool.

Owners can also put ice cubes in their pet's water bowl to provide and extra cooling boost and give them damp towels to lie on.  Pet-safe sun cream can also be used to cover exposed parts of an animal's skin. 

Animals should never be left in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans in hot weather, even if it's only for a short amount of time. The temperature in these environments can quickly become double the level of outdoors. 

Met Office

Most watched News videos