The UK has endured its hottest summer since records began, with four separate heatwaves pushing temperatures in London beyond 34.7°C and contributing to hundreds of deaths. In response, employment law specialists are calling for urgent government action to protect outdoor and high-risk workers from extreme heat.
Employment specialists at Magara Law have urged ministers to establish enforceable safeguards, warning that current legislation leaves millions of staff vulnerable.
“Workers are already being asked to put their health and lives on the line during heatwaves, with only vague guidance to protect them,” founder and solicitor advocate Roy Magara said.
“The current legal framework is not fit for a warming climate, and clear legal thresholds and enforceable safeguards are urgently needed.”
Hottest Summer on Record
This year’s average summer temperature has surpassed the previous high set in 2018, marking a significant rise above long-term norms. Scientists point out that all of the UK’s five warmest summers have occurred since 2000, demonstrating the accelerating pace of climate change. Persistently high temperatures, rather than isolated hot days, defined the summer of 2025.
Health researchers estimate that around 260 heat-related deaths occurred in London alone between late June and early July. Nationwide figures are higher, with academic modelling suggesting that future summers could see sharp rises in mortality without significant adaptation.
Current Law and Its Limitations
Under present legislation, employers in Britain are required only to provide “reasonable” working conditions. No statutory temperature limits exist, leaving staff and managers uncertain about what constitutes safe practice during heatwaves.
Other European countries, including Spain, Greece and Italy, have adopted clearer frameworks with mandatory rest breaks, defined temperature thresholds and protective measures.
Magara Law is calling for similar standards in the UK. The firm proposes legal action points requiring employers to intervene once workplace temperatures exceed 24°C, with work suspended at 30°C, or 27°C in physically demanding roles.
These measures, it says, would directly affect occupations such as construction, delivery driving and landscaping, where exposure to high temperatures is unavoidable.
Proposals for Reform
The firm’s recommendations go beyond temperature thresholds. Amendments to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations could mandate shaded rest zones, hydration stations, flexible working schedules and sun protection as part of standard Personal Protective Equipment.
Magara Law also urges the adoption of the Thermal Work Limit, a calculation method that factors in humidity, workload and clothing to establish safe working thresholds in real time.
Heat stress risk assessments would become compulsory, either conducted annually or during periods of extreme heat. They would require consultation with employees and introduce special provisions for vulnerable staff, such as pregnant workers.
“Many employers are unsure exactly what steps to take to keep staff safe in extreme heat, while workers are left guessing whether conditions are truly safe. Outdoor workers need protections that are enforceable, concrete, and consistently applied,” Magara said.
Impact on Employers
While the proposals are designed to enhance worker safety, Magara Law argues they would also benefit businesses. Clear standards would reduce uncertainty, provide legal certainty and lower the risk of litigation.
“This is not just about worker safety; it is (also) about legal certainty for employers and ensuring the economy can function safely even in extreme heat,” said Magara. “If we fail to act, we will continue to see avoidable illness, lost productivity and preventable deaths.”
What Employers Can Do Now
Although there is no statutory requirement to follow these recommendations, many steps can already be taken voluntarily:
- Conduct risk assessments specific to heat exposure, especially for outdoor roles.
- Provide shaded areas and regular access to water, ensuring hydration is part of daily routine.
- Supply sun-protection equipment as part of PPE and encourage its use.
- Adjust working hours to avoid the hottest part of the day, allowing early starts or evening shifts.
- Introduce monitoring tools, such as the Thermal Work Limit, to determine safe work-rest cycles.
- Train managers and staff to identify symptoms of heat stress, dehydration and exhaustion.
- Establish policies to protect vulnerable employees and keep records of actions taken during heat events.
Learning from Europe
International examples show that regulation can work in practice. Spain has introduced limits on working in direct sun, with fines for employers who breach them. Greece enforces compulsory breaks during the hottest hours, while Italy requires rest periods and hydration provision.
Observers note that adapting such measures to the UK would be feasible and would strengthen both worker welfare and employer compliance.
With climate models indicating that hotter summers will become more frequent, pressure on the government to act is likely to intensify. Campaigners argue that leaving workplace protections to the broad concept of “reasonableness” is no longer sufficient in the face of record-breaking conditions.
Employers, meanwhile, are being urged to implement preventative measures without waiting for legislation, in order to safeguard both employees and business continuity.
For many, this summer’s heatwaves have served as a warning of the future. Whether through voluntary action or government intervention, the need to protect outdoor and high-risk workers is becoming increasingly urgent.