The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to hit 40°C in parts of England and Wales. But even as the mercury soars, there is no law in the UK that sets a maximum temperature for workplaces or classrooms. So what can you actually do when it's too hot to work or send your child to school?
Unlike in some other countries, the UK has no legal upper limit for indoor temperatures at work or school. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers on workplace temperature, but its guidance is not a hard law. For schools, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recommends avoiding vigorous physical activity in extreme heat, but it does not normally advise closures. Teaching unions have suggested a target maximum of 26°C for classrooms, but this is not enforceable.
“UK heatwave rights for work and school explained: no legal max temp, but employers and schools must ensure safety.”
This vacuum of statutory limits stems from the diversity of UK workplaces. A bakery or restaurant kitchen can legally be far hotter than an office, making a universal maximum impractical. Instead, employers have a general "duty of care" under health and safety law to provide a safe environment. This means they must take reasonable steps to protect staff from heat-related illness, such as ensuring access to cold water, providing fans, or allowing flexible working. However, workers cannot simply refuse to attend work because it is hot, unless their specific workplace becomes unsafe.
For schoolchildren, the situation is similar. The government says schools can usually be managed safely and that keeping children in school is a priority. Head teachers have discretion to relax uniform rules—allowing PE kits or light clothing—or to move lessons to cooler areas. They may also change start and finish times to avoid the worst heat. If a school does decide to close, the head must consult the chair of governors and their employer. Some schools have opted for early finishes, online learning, or full closures during the recent red warnings.
Why does this matter for UK readers? Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Unlike countries with consistently hot climates, UK infrastructure—homes, schools, offices—is not designed for extreme heat. Many buildings lack air conditioning, and the majority of workers and students are not used to coping with such conditions. Knowing your rights (and their limits) can help you plan and advocate for safer conditions.
Q: Can I refuse to go to work if it's too hot? No, not simply because the temperature is high. There is no legal maximum, but if the workplace becomes unsafe—for example, due to heat stress—your employer must address it. You can raise concerns with your manager or HSE, but refusing to work could be seen as misconduct.
Q: Can schools send children home during a heatwave? Yes, but it's not automatic. Head teachers can decide to close or send pupils home early after consulting governors and employers. Some schools have done so during red warnings, but most remain open with adjustments like relaxed uniforms and indoor PE.
Q: Do employers have to provide air conditioning or fans? Not specifically, but they must take all "reasonably practicable" steps to keep the workplace safe. This could include fans, cool drinking water, adjusting work patterns, or allowing remote working. If they fail to act, staff can report them to the HSE.
What happens next? As temperatures continue to rise in coming years, pressure is growing on the government to set clear maximum temperature limits for workplaces and schools. Teaching unions have called for investment in climate-resilient buildings. For now, individual school leaders and employers are left to interpret guidance and make case-by-case decisions during extreme weather events.