Copy article

Employment Rights Bill - High temperatures

ended 15. October 2024

A journalist on the Daily Telegraph is looking for comment on the following:

The Government has unveiled details of its Employment Rights Bill, which aims to eliminate exploitative practices, such as the use of zero-hours contracts and "fire and rehire" tactics.

Among the proposals, the Government has said it will look at "how to modernize health and safety guidance with reference to extreme temperatures". 

Unions have called for a maximum temperature of 30C indoors or 27C for strenuous work. London has averaged 6 days per year over 30C over the last decade.

The journalist would like to know what the impact on businesses would be if workers are given the right not to go into work because of hot (or cold) weather.

3 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Copy

Editor
Justin Moy
Managing Director at EHF Mortgages
Given the same Bill will also allow everyone to work from home whenever they want, we will just end up with virtual office networks and plenty of empty offices and buildings anyway! Larger buildings normally have air-conditioning anyway, again the smaller businesses will suffer where margins are already tight, and the cost of air conditioning installation is out of reach for most. Is this really a serious problem to tackle? Do we not have any other priorities that will boost business, not just add to the heavy burden of business owners?
Copy

Premium
Debbie Porter
Managing Director at Destination Digital Marketing
The problem with headlines like this, is that it feeds into the notion that all employers are exploitative and out to somehow ruin the lives of employees. If we are to take this to the nth degree we would have firefighters refusing to fight fires because it’s above 27°C, or butchers refusing to enter a walk in freezer because it’s below freezing in there.

With calls for productivity declines to be reversed and the UK unemployment rate estimated at 4.0% in June to August 2024, we need to have a sense check in order to not grind the country into the dirt.
Copy

Salla Västilä
CEO, Founder at ainoa.agency
The bill is crucial for modernising workplace conditions amidst climate change. As global temperatures fluctuate more extremely, we must adapt our work environments for employee well-being and productivity.
Whilst addressing immediate concerns, we must also focus on long-term climate change mitigation. This dual approach demonstrates corporate social responsibility and aligns with younger generations' values.
Millennials and Gen Z, soon to dominate the job market, prioritise socially responsible employers. Offering flexible arrangements during extreme weather could be viewed similarly to sick leave, showing commitment to employee welfare.
Updating our approach to work in extreme temperatures isn't just about adapting to climate change; it's about creating a modern, appealing environment that attracts and retains top talent. By proactively addressing these issues, businesses can position themselves as forward-thinking and employee-centric, benefiting both the company and the workforce.