Is Your Office Just Too Hot? This Is When You Can Legally Walk Out

hot-office

by Anna Brech |
Published on

If you're anything like us, you'll have the air con on full whack right now with your feet in a tub of ice-cool water.

And yet, with hair a-frizz and even your knees breaking sweat, the idea of cooling off is but a distant dream.

We in Britain are ill-equipped for hot weather and the legislation around warm working conditions is frustratingly vague.

As the Metro reports, employers must ensure your working temperature is "reasonable" - according to terms set out by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

But what constitutes "reasonable" is open for debate. One woman's unbearably sweaty cauldron is another's "just a bit close" (hence, the never-ending war over office air con).

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We need a rooftop cocktail, pronto... ©YouTube

"Unfortunately there is no maximum temperature for workers," says the TUC. "[But] all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a comfortable temperature."

Amazingly, the TUC's health and safety experts recommend a maximum temperature of 30°C in the office; which still seems sky-high by our standards.

But they're keen to emphasis "this is intended as an absolute maximum rather than an indication that regular indoor work at just below 30°C would be acceptable".

People work best at a temperature between 16°C and 24°C, so "employers should still attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24°C and workers feel uncomfortable".

And if enough people complain about the temperature, your workplace HR department is duty-bound to assess it.

The bottom line? Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the working temperature is comfortable.

A fact worth remembering before you crawl into that fridge...

Read More: What Your Annoying Office Habits Say About You, According To Science

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