With temperatures set to soar today and tomorrow in the UK, how hot will it be before telecommuting employees can stop working?
UK Health Authorities have issued a Fever Health Warning for all parts of the UK,Danger to Lifehas warned of wildfires set to set temperatures as high as a blazing 36 degrees Celsius. said it was likely to occur, with the hottest weather expected on Saturday.
Government agencies have issued yellowweatherforecasts for extreme heat on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Weather warnings cover most of the UK including East Midlands, East England, West Midlands, South East England, North West England, South West England, Yorkshire, Humber and Wales.
The Health and Safety Authority, which provides the regulatory framework for UK workplace health and safety, says that all workplace temperatures in buildings must be "reasonable" for workers.
Employers must also provide "clean, fresh air" and keep temperatures at a comfortable level, but there are no laws dictating the maximum temperature at which work can stop.
And while millions of workers have been told to work from home, most do not have air conditioning, which makes things a little confusing.
Fortunately, where you work does not affect your rights.
His Mike Hibbs, employmentpartner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, previously told Mirror Money: and safety responsibility.
"All normal rules apply, including the need to risk assess housing as a suitable working environment."
He added:
"However, at home many employees do not have this option and the only way to stay cool is to open the windows."
However, depending on the task, It can cause more problems than open windows solve.
Hibbs said: "Noisy neighbors and the potential for disturbance from street noise can make this impractical, especially if you're making phone or video calls at work."
Feel the heat HSE provides the following tips:
- Layer or remove clothing depending on heat or cold
- Use a desk
- Window blinds ( (if available) to reduce the thermal effects of the sun
- Drink plenty of water in warm conditions (avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks)
- Direct sunlight if possible
- Take regular breaks to cool down in warm conditions and heat up in cold
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