Here’s the latest on maximum working temperatures in the UK, based on recent reporting up to May 2026.
What’s being considered: UK climate advisers (the Climate Change Committee, CCC) have urged the government to introduce maximum working temperature regulations to protect workers during heatwaves. They also recommend installing cooling infrastructure (air conditioning, heat pumps) in critical public services and buildings, and adjusting infrastructure and housing to cope with a warming climate. These proposals do not specify an exact maximum temperature in all reports, but some outlets mention candidates around the mid-20s to upper 20s Celsius for workplaces, with stricter limits for strenuous work. [BBC coverage and multiple outlets summarize the CCC’s call for formal maximum temperature rules and cooling measures; see May 19–26, 2026 reporting.][2][3][10]
Suggested targets in framing discussions: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and unions have previously advocated for maximum indoor workplace temperatures around 27–30°C, with exemptions for physically demanding tasks, and for employers to implement cooling measures when temperatures rise. The CCC’s framing emphasizes legal maximums alongside practical adaptations rather than a single fixed number, and several articles note 27°C as a commonly cited benchmark in related discussions. [Mirror, Independent, Usdaw coverage; May 2026 articles.][3][7][8]
What’s happening now: There is no single UK law yet setting a universal maximum workplace temperature as of May 2026. The CCC’s report is prompting government consideration and potential policy development, with ongoing media coverage debating the exact threshold and implementation details. Expect further government position papers or parliamentary debates in the coming months as temperature extremes continue. [BBC summary and multiple outlets; ongoing coverage.][5][10]
Practical guidance today: In the absence of a UK-wide maximum temperature law, current guidance emphasizes maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures (typical minimums around 16°C for general work, lower targets for strenuous activity), ensuring good ventilation, and providing cooling or rest breaks during heat. Employers are advised to plan for heatwaves with flexible scheduling, hydration, and access to cooler spaces where possible. [BBC/USDAW summaries and HSE guidelines referenced in coverage.][8][5]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest UK government statements or CCC reports directly and summarize any proposed temperature thresholds, plus what workplaces in your sector (e.g., offices, manufacturing, healthcare) might need to prepare. I can also set up a quick timeline of key announcements as they’re released. Just tell me which format you prefer (brief update, detailed brief, or a timeline).
Climate Change Committee chair Baroness Brown slammed the 'woeful' performance of successive governments in tackling the 'present and future' threats of climate change
www.mirror.co.ukExperts identified the key climate change threats facing the UK as heat, flooding and drought, with 92% of homes 'likely to overheat' by 2050.
www.freemalaysiatoday.comSuccessive governments have failed to prepare the UK for extreme heat, the climate watchdog says.
www.bbc.comClimate report calls for widespread air conditioning amid warning UK temperatures will to exceed 40C by 2050
www.independent.co.ukClimate change experts urged the UK to set maximum temperature rules for workplaces and adapt hospitals and schools to a warming planet in a report published Wednesday. The report by the Climate Cha
risingnepaldaily.comSuccessive governments have failed to prepare the UK for extreme heat, the climate watchdog says.
ground.newsWith temperatures reaching as high as 35 °C, today (26 May) is the hottest May day on record. But you probably noticed that already...
www.ladbible.comOn Sunday (24 May), the UK experienced May's highest temperature in at least 79 years - and it's only getting hotter
www.tyla.comJoanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Heat stress is a real health and safety risk that can lead to more accidents and injuries. As the temperature rises, heat exhaustion starts. People begin to suffer loss of concentration, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea and fainting. “Usdaw has long campaigned for the introduction of a legal maximum working temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for those doing strenuous work, with employers obliged to adopt cooling measures when the workplace...
www.usdaw.org.ukThe GMB union said workplaces should not be allowed to be hotter than 25C.
news.sky.com