Climate Advisers Call For Maximum Workplace Temperature Rules In U.K.

InnovationSustainabilityClimate Advisers Call For Maximum Workplace Temperature Rules In U.K.ByJamie Hailstone,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jamie Hailstone is a U.K-based reporter, who covers sustainability. Follow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 05:12am EDTMay 20, 2026, 05:13am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Children play with the water fountains located in Leicester Square during a heatwave on August 12, 2025 in London, England. An amber health warning from the Met Office came into force at 0900 today covering the Midlands, South East, East of England, and London. Temperatures are expected to reach 34oC in some parts of the country. (Photo by Ben Montgomery/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe U.K. Government has been urged to set a national maximum temperature for workplaces to protect workers’ safety during heatwaves, according to a new analysis.The report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns the growing impacts of climate change are affecting every aspect of British life, with the three biggest risks being heat, flooding and drought. It warns 92% of homes are likely to overheat by 2050, and peak river flows will be up to 45% higher and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day by the same date. The study calls on the government to introduce maximum working temperature regulations.It says these regulations would address the increasing risks that high temperatures pose to workers’ safety and incentivise the deployment of the necessary cooling. It also calls on ministers to invest in cooling for key public services and argue cooling will be needed in critical settings such as hospitals, schools, prisons, and care homes in many parts of the country to protect wellbeing and often lives. The report states new buildings should also be designed to keep people cool from the outset. “Increas...