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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Matthew Dresch & Jennifer Russell

How hot does it have to get before you can leave work? New temperature rule plans unveiled

Today the mercury in Scotland is expected to hit 30C - and we're going wild for the sunshine.

But what are your rights when heading to work? Is it too hot to work in an office, should your boss be giving you the day off?

The current guidance states a minimum working temperature of 16C but does not include an upper limit.

Well under new plans unveiled today by Labour the 'maximum workplace temperature' rule will protect worker and force bosses to introduce effective heat controls.

Video: Why you shouldn't sleep with a fan in hot weather

Such a plan was first mooted by Jeremy Corbyn during the 2015 Labour leadership election but had not yet been adopted as Labour policy.

Labour sources said firms' adjustments could include working from home - among other possible remedies to keep workers cool, The Mirror reports .

If firms did not comply, workers would not necessarily be able to simply walk out - but could appeal to unions and the Health and Safety Executive.

Most workers in the UK have no legal safeguards protecting them from working during uncomfortably high temperatures or dangerous extreme heat.

Under Labour’s plan, if the indoor workplace temperature goes over 30C (27C for those doing strenuous work), employers will have to put in place effective temperature controls to help workers keep cool.

Health and Safety Regulations simply require workplace temperatures to be “reasonable”. This applies all year round but can cause an issue when temperatures outside increase and result in warmer workplaces.

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