TEMPERATURES are rising and most of us will be sweltering in an office with little air conditioning.
The Met Office has predicted temperatures could hit 29C this weekend across some parts of the UK.
But if you do have to head to work, we explain what rights you have when it's too hot in the office.
What rights do I have if it's too hot in the office?
There's no minimum or maximum temperature for offices or other places of work currently defined in law.
Employers have to make sure conditions are "reasonable" - but that definition is obviously open to interpretation.
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The Health and Safety Executive has previously suggested that workplaces should have a minimum temperature of 16C.
For work that is very physical, including on factory floors, it has suggested a lower minimum of 13C.
But, it has said it can't give a meaningful maximum temperature, because some kinds of businesses will be hot by definition - such as glassworks or bakeries.
Bosses should ensure their workers have access to water and monitor their wellbeing in hot weather, according to HSE guidelines.
Typical symptoms of heat stress are:
- an inability to concentrate
- muscle cramps
- heat rash
- severe thirst - a late symptom of heat stress
- fainting
- heat exhaustion - fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, moist skin
- heat stroke - hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in death if not detected at an early stage
However, if enough members of staff complain about working conditions, bosses should carry out a risk assessment.
The HSE has said: “If a significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort, your employer should carry out a risk assessment, and act on the results of that assessment.”
That means that if you're uncomfortable, you should tell your boss or HR and if enough people complain the business needs to investigate.
If you're a vulnerable staff member - including being menopausal or pregnant - you should take this into account when deciding on a plan of action.
You may not get to work from home though, instead the business might provide fans, relax dress codes, turn up air con, or look at other measures to make things more comfortable.
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The TUC has said previously it wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperature is above 30C.
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What are the temperature recommendations?
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers recommends the following temperatures for different working areas:
• Heavy work in factories: 13°C
• Light work in factories: 16°C
• Hospital wards and shops: 18°C
• Offices and dining rooms: 20°C
What are my rights if I need to take public transport?
Each transport company sets its own policies - and like with offices, there's no law about temperatures during a heatwave.
This can mean that travellers face extremely high temperatures when out and about.
For example, in 2018, Londoners complained of 42C temperatures on the Tube.
Transport for London however has since said all Tubes will be air-conditioned by 2030.
Make sure you bring a bottle of water with you if travelling on public transport and if possible wear cool, loose and light clothing.
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