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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

Union calls for office workers to be sent home when temperatures hit 30C

Britain has been hit by scorching weather conditions this week with temperatures potentially set to climb to 39C today.

While many people are out , a lot of us are stuck in the office.

There's only so many windows you can open and when colleagues are arguing over the one office fan, things can be pretty unbearable.

But trade unions are campaigning for workers to be able to go home when it gets too hot.

Trade Union Congress (TUC) wants office workers to be able to leave when the mercury climbs to 30C.

They say manual labour employees should go home when it hits 27C.

Employers have been advised to 'adopt cooling measures' when the workplace temperature hits 24C.

Piccadilly Gardens in the recent hot weather (Manchester Evening News)

At the minute, there isn't actually a legally defined maximum or minimum temperature for the workplace.

Guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Executive, however, state that the temperatures inside workplace buildings should be 'reasonable' .

TUC, which is a national trade union centre representing the majority of unions in England and Wales, say that bosses should allow workers to adopt flexible working.

This would mean staff can come in earlier or leave later to avoid hot conditions in the rush-hour commute.

The union also encourages employees to relax workplace dress codes and keep buildings cool.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "While many of us love to see the sun, it's no fun working in a baking office or a stifling factory.

"Bosses should do all they can to keep the temperature down.

"The easiest way for staff to keep cool inside is being able to work in more casual clothing.

"While shorts and vest tops may not be appropriate for all, nobody should be made to suffer in the heat for the sake of keeping up appearances.

"It's in bosses' interests to provide a cool and comfortable work environment.

"Workers who are unable to dress down in lighter clothing, or who work in offices without air-conditioning, fans or drinking water, are going to be tired, and lack inspiration and creativity."

Met Office national morning forecast for July 25
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