What government guidelines say about working in offices in hot temperatures

By Conor Matchett
Published 26th Jun 2019, 16:04 BST
Updated 20th Jul 2021, 13:20 BST
Portable fans can be the lifesaver for many office workers during the summer (Photo: Shutterstock)Portable fans can be the lifesaver for many office workers during the summer (Photo: Shutterstock)
Portable fans can be the lifesaver for many office workers during the summer (Photo: Shutterstock)

The UK is currently basking in a glorious heatwave which has seen temperatures climb to a toasty 30C in some parts of the country.

While the warm weather is idyllic for sunbathing, it can feel very stifling when working in a stuffy office, particularly if workplaces don’t have windows that open or have functional air conditioning.

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But what does the law say about being sent home if temperatures reach a certain point in the office? Here’s what you need to know.

No set temperature

The official advice from the Government website states, “During working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.

“There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, eg when it’s too cold or too hot to work.

“There’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit."