A new report by the Fabian Society calls for the government to mandate a maximum indoor temperature law, suggesting that employees should receive a day off if workplace temperatures exceed 30°C (or 27°C for strenuous work).
This recommendation is part of a broader plan to address the impacts of climate change, particularly for those most vulnerable to extreme heat.
The report reveals a troubling rise in heat-related deaths in the UK. In 2022, over 4,500 people in England died due to high temperatures, marking the highest figure on record.
Since 1988, nearly 52,000 heat-related deaths have been recorded in England, with a significant rise occurring after 2016. Wales also saw over 2,000 heat-related deaths during this period.
New regulations urged to protect vulnerable workers and improve housing heat resilience.Drawing on insights from organizations like the National Infrastructure Commission and the University of Oxford, the Fabian Society emphasizes the need for new regulations to protect workers and tenants.
Specifically, it recommends that low-paid workers, who are disproportionately affected by heat due to limited access to water, lack of cooling options, and unsuitable uniforms, should be safeguarded. Workers in hospitality, manual labor, education, and poorly ventilated offices are particularly vulnerable.
The report also proposes that landlords be held responsible for preventing overheating in homes, similar to existing regulations for cold conditions. It suggests that councils should activate severe weather protocols to provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals during extreme heat.
Further recommendations include stronger climate resilience measures for infrastructure and a ban on burning upland peatlands.
The report criticizes the current government’s National Adaptation Programme for lacking new initiatives, leaving low-income households especially exposed to the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, the report warns of potential shutdowns in critical infrastructure such as electricity, transport, and healthcare facilities due to overheating, stressing the need for climate-proof design in new buildings and infrastructure to avoid future retrofitting costs.