Rayner demanded right for Britons to stop working during heatwaves
Unions say workers should be allowed to down tools during heatwaves
- Angela Rayner previously advocated for Britons to have the right to stop working during heatwaves, urging the then-Conservative government to introduce guidance on safe working temperatures, it has emerged.
- During the 2022 heatwave, when temperatures reached 40C, the now-deputy prime minister called for employers to control workplace temperatures through measures like extra breaks and flexible working.
- Health secretary Wes Streeting and other Labour figures have also previously supported legislation for maximum workplace temperatures.
- Unions GMB and Unite are reportedly in talks with ministers to establish a legal limit of 27C for manual jobs, though the Health and Safety Executive's new guidance is not expected to set maximum temperature rules.
- Other European countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, and Germany already have maximum working temperatures or mandatory breaks during summer months.