What is the maximum work temperature before employees have to stop working ?

There is no maximum temperature in law that stops employees working. However, the law does state that in offices or similar environments the temperature should be reasonable. 

What must an employer do by law when the temperature is hot outside ?

• Provide clean fresh air
• Keep the temperature at a comfortable level
• Give access to water and drinking cups or a drinking fountain

What can I do as an employer to help deal with hot weather ?

• Stay calm and keep cool 
• Turn on air conditioning
• Provide fans
• Open windows and doors
• Allow “dress down” days
• Consider providing additional soft drinks
• Enable employees to take more breaks
• Consider homeworking

Are there any employees who get special consideration or rights in hot weather ?

Special consideration should be given to:

• Those who are disabled to ensure that they are not discriminated against due to the hot weather
• Pregnant or menopausal woman

Do I have to give employees paid time off because of hot weather ?

No, there is no legal entitlement for an employee to have paid or unpaid time off due to hot weather.

Employees are entitled to request to take holiday in line with the company’s normal holiday booking process.

Be careful, not everyone can be off at the same time. Businesses should ensure they are clear how many employers already have approved holiday and what impact this will have on the business.

Unauthorised time off due to hot weather

If an employee who is refused a holiday request, takes time off anyway or is you suspect an employee is “pulling a sickie”, follow good basic practice. Investigate, establish facts before jumping to any conclusions.

If it is proven the employee has been off work when they have not been sick, then they should be taken through the appropriate disciplinary process.

Can I dismiss an employee for being off sick during the hot weather ?

If it can be proven that the employee has lied and that they were really not sick, and just wanted time off during the hot weather, then in principal you could dismiss the employee.

However, before taking any such action we would recommend contacting us first to make sure any dismissal is justified and the correct process is followed.

Do I have to pay employees if I have to send them home due to business issues caused by the hot weather ?

Yes, if you have to send your employees home due to mechanical breakdowns, inability to continue production or service due to the hot weather, then you will still have to pay your employees when they are not at work.