Feeling, hot, hot, hot - what is the legal maximum temperature for an office?

There is no legal maximum (or indeed minimum) temperature for offices that employers are required to adhere to. As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explains, in offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable. Employers should:

• keep the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort
• provide clean and fresh air.

With extreme heat set to hit much of the UK but particularly parts of England over the next couple of days, the GMB Union has said there should be a legal maximum temperature that employees can be expected to work in. 

Even without a legal maximum, employers have a duty of care towards their employees and should consider what steps they can take to support their employees to stay cool while working over the next few days. This might include encouraging employees to work from home. Particular consideration should be given to those who may be more vulnerable to the heat, such as pregnant women and those who have specific disabilities. 

If you are unsure about your legal responsibilities as an employer, please get in touch and we would be pleased to discuss this with you.