Hannah Spencer's workplace heat limit bill wins support from unions and London mayor

Green MP Hannah Spencer has introduced a bill in parliament that would establish a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as the country faces increasingly frequent heatwaves. According to The Guardian, the legislation would create an independent body to recommend safe upper limits for different workplaces and set out guidelines for implementation.

The GuardianGreen MP Hannah Spencer to introduce bill on maximum workplace temperatures

Spencer described the impact of heatwaves as causing “absolute chaos,” as reported by Novara Media, echoing the urgency behind the measure. The bill aims to address a gap in current regulations, which only specify minimum workplace temperatures despite rising temperatures.

Novara MediaHannah Spencer Calls for Bill Banning ‘Sweltering’ Workplaces

The Canary highlighted the specific workers affected, quoting Spencer: “From bus and train drivers sweltering in their cabins to bakers working in over 40 degrees, and builders whose workplaces offer no respite from the heat, the government has a duty to protect all.” The piece underscored the breadth of industries facing dangerous conditions.

Unions have thrown their weight behind the proposal. Left Foot Forward reported that unions backed Spencer’s plan for a new law on workplace temperatures. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also added his voice, calling for legally binding rules. The Guardian noted that current guidance is insufficient and that the June heatwave alone caused an estimated 440 excess deaths per day during its peak. Khan argued that as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, workers need enforceable protections, not just recommendations.

Left Foot ForwardUnions back Green MP Hannah Spencer’s plan to table new bill on maximum workplace temperatures