Soaring temperatures could be to blame for a loss of productivity this week, and with many staff taking a sickie to enjoy the beautiful weather economists predict the sunshine could cost the economy up to £190million a day. The Met Office are predicting that the mercury could hit 33C this week, and say London could be about to experience the hottest summer since 1914 when records began. Unsurprisingly workers are keen to bask in the summer sun – the first significant heatwave for three years – prompting many to take an impromptu sick day, while those who do continue to turn up for work are likely to suffer reduced productivity in stifled temperatures. The weather is set to last until the weekend with temperatures up to 32C and peaking on Thursday at a possible 33C.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations do not stipulate a maximum working temperature but instead state: “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.” The TUC has campaigned for maximum temperatures to be made legal suggesting an absolute maximum of 30C, with workers then not having to work and employers liable for prosecution if they flout the rules. And with the next few days we’re sure many of you will agree that over-hot working conditions affect concentration and productivity as well as cause headaches, dizzy spells and rashes. What has your employer done to improve working conditions for the warmer weather? Let us know.
