Labour Research December 2004

Health & Safety Matters

No maximum temperature limit

The government has told shopworkers' union USDAW that it will not set a maximum workplace temperature.

USDAW recently outlined its concerns at the absence of a maximum, and asked the government to consider setting one at 27°C.

In her reply, minister for work Jane Kennedy said that the Health and Safety Commission considers it impractical to set a maximum temperature - but added that experts will "explore what more can be done and what further guidance can be given" next spring.