TUC urges employers to ensure employees are protected from sun during heatwave

13 Jul 2022

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has urged employers to make sure their employees are adequately protected from the sun following the publication of health alerts by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Temperatures could reach or exceed 30°C in some parts of the UK, forecasters have warned. A level two health alert has been issued for the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions, whilst a level three alert has been issued for the East, South East and London regions.

The TUC recommends that employers keep workplaces cool to make them more bearable for employees; allow flexible working, including hybrid working; provide plenty of sun protection for outdoor workers; and consider temporarily relaxing workplace dress codes to help keep employees cooler.

Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said: 'Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day.

'And bosses must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.'