Green MP introduces bill for maximum workplace temperature in UK
8 reported
Green MP Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill in parliament that would create an independent body to recommend maximum safe workplace temperatures in the UK, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. The legislation aims to address the lack of official maximum temperature guidance, despite existing minimum temperature standards. Unions including Unison and the Trade Union Congress have called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work. Spencer, a former plumber elected in February, cited examples of workers in hot conditions such as bus drivers, bakers, and builders. The bill is expected to receive cross-party support from several Labour MPs, the Scottish National party, Plaid Cymru, and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn. The Health and Safety Executive has argued that maximum temperatures cannot be imposed because excessive heat can stem from workplace activity rather than weather. The government has announced that the HSE will launch a public consultation on the issue this year.
What’s reported
Green MP Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill to create an independent body to recommend maximum safe workplace temperatures.
The UK currently has health and safety guidance on minimum but not maximum workplace temperatures.
Unison and the Trade Union Congress have called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work.
Spencer was elected in the Gorton and Denton byelection in February and previously worked as a plumber.
The bill is expected to receive cross-party support from Rebecca Long-Bailey, Alex Sobel, Nadia Whittome, Graham Leadbitter, Liz Saville Roberts, and Jeremy Corbyn.
The Health and Safety Executive has said maximum workplace temperatures cannot be imposed because excessive heat can be caused by workplace activity rather than weather.
The government has announced the HSE will launch a public consultation on the issue this year.
Temperatures have exceeded 34C nine times this year, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020.
Key figures
Hannah Spencer, Green MP for Gorton and Denton
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour MP
Alex Sobel, Labour MP
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP
Graham Leadbitter, Scottish National party MP
Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP
Jeremy Corbyn, independent MP
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Sources: The Guardian
