How Hot Is Too Hot to Work?
23 June 2026 · By Oliver Tasker
As Alan Partridge said "it's hotter than the sun". As UK summers become hotter and more unpredictable, employers are increasingly asking: how hot is too hot to work? From legal duties to practical management (and even office “air conditioning wars”), understanding your responsibilities around workplace temperature is essential to protect both your employees and your business.
Is There a Maximum Workplace Temperature in the UK?
A common misconception is that UK law sets a maximum workplace temperature. In reality, there is no legal upper limit. However, under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must ensure that indoor working environments are kept at a “reasonable” temperature.
Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to safeguard employee health, safety and welfare. This means if temperatures are high enough to pose a health risk, employers must take action.
Managing the “Air Con Wars” in Offices
Hot weather doesn’t just bring legal compliance issues, it often sparks the classic office air con dispute.
One employee feels too hot, another is freezing, and thermostat adjustments become a daily battle. While seemingly minor, these “air con wars” can:
Lower productivity
Create workplace tension
Lead to formal complaints
Impact employee wellbeing
To manage this effectively, employers should:
Set a consistent and reasonable temperature range (typically around 20–24°C for offices as guidance, not law)
Provide alternatives like desk fans or flexible seating
Encourage employees to dress appropriately in layers
Promote a culture of respect and compromise
Striking the right balance is key, overcorrecting temperatures can create just as many problems as excessive heat.
Why Risk Assessments Matter
There is no “one temperature fits all” answer. Instead, employers must carry out risk assessments to determine when heat becomes unsafe.
Key factors include:
Type of work (manual vs office based roles)
Indoor vs outdoor environments
Ventilation and airflow
Use of PPE or uniforms
Vulnerable employees (e.g. pregnant workers or those with medical conditions)
If heat stress, dehydration or fatigue is a risk, you must implement controls.
Practical Steps to Manage Heat at Work
To stay compliant and support employee wellbeing, employers should take proactive steps during hot weather:
Immediate Actions
Provide cool drinking water
Increase ventilation or air conditioning
Allow more frequent breaks
Adjust working hours to avoid peak heat
Relax dress codes where safe
For Outdoor or High-Risk Roles
Provide shade and rest areas
Rotate physically demanding work
Monitor workers for signs of heat exhaustion
Taking these measures reduces risk and demonstrates a responsible employer approach.
When Does Heat Become a Legal Risk?
Workplace heat becomes a legal issue when it creates unsafe working conditions.
Failing to act could lead to:
Personal injury claims
Constructive dismissal claims
HSE enforcement action
Reputational damage
Employers should be particularly cautious where employees raise concerns about unsafe temperatures, these must be taken seriously.
Can Employees Refuse to Work in Heat?
Employees are legally protected if they reasonably believe conditions pose a serious and imminent danger.
This means they may:
Refuse to work in extreme heat
Raise health and safety concerns
Be protected from detriment or dismissal
Poor handling of such situations can quickly escalate into employment law claims for protected disclosures and detriment.
A Practical Approach for Employers
Ultimately, the question of “too hot to work” depends on risk, not a specific number. Employers should focus on:
✔ Proactive planning
✔ Sensible workplace adjustments
✔ Clear communication with staff
✔ Fair handling of complaints
A balanced approach supports both legal compliance and workforce wellbeing.
How Impact Employment Law Limited Can Support You
If employees are raising the heat by raising formal complaints and you need support then contact Impact Employment Law Limited for expert help.
Call Oliver directly: 01522 776270
Impact Employment Law Limited Advice. Protection. Impact.