Overwhelming majority of British people back maximum workplace temperature limit as climate crisis intensifies

As the fifth British heatwave of 2026 hits, new polling has revealed that the British public overwhelmingly supports the introduction of a national maximum workplace temperature. 

Polling by YouGov for environmental justice charity Friends of the Earth has found that 79% of people back the measure, with just 10% opposed, and 11% saying they don’t know.

The polling also found that a whopping 87% of people think the UK is not adequately prepared for extreme weather events such as heat and drought.

This includes 81% of Reform and 84% of Conservative supporters.

In the UK, there is currently no legal limit on minimum or maximum temperatures in the workplace.

There is guidance on minimum temperatures, but none for maximum temperatures – an increasing risk as the climate crisis fuels more frequent periods of extreme heat.

In May, the government’s climate advisers – The Climate Change Committee (CCC) – said the government should follow the lead of other European countries by setting a maximum workplace temperature to protect people as heatwaves intensify. 

Last month, the Greens’ newest MP, Hannah Spencer, tabled a Private Members’ Bill to create a legally mandated maximum workplace temperature.

While most Private Members’ Bills don’t become law, some significant legislation has originated this way – including the abolition of the death penalty and 1960s abortion law reform.

Unions, including Unison and the body representing unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have backed Spencer’s bill.

The UK’s largest trade union, Unison and the TUC have long called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work.

Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth, said: “This summer’s heat may seem exceptional, and terrifying records are being broken – from monthly temperature highs to what will likely be the most heat-related deaths ever recorded.

“But as our planet warms and climate breakdown intensifies, it will be remembered as increasingly unremarkable. This should be a sobering thought for us all.”

Downes added that “the government can’t afford to bury its head in the sand any longer”.

“Setting a maximum workplace temperature is a much-needed way to protect people from the impacts of our warming climate,” she said.

Downes also accused Andy Burnham of “barely” mentioning climate change since he has become prime minister.

“With the country baking in yet more suffocating heat and drought-induced food shortages a growing threat, it’s also remarkable the new Prime Minister’s government has barely mentioned climate change in recent weeks.

Referring to the government’s emergency Cobra meeting on the extreme heat yesterday, she said: “It’s good that ministers are finally coming together to discuss how our country can best respond.”

Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the TUC, said: “As the climate crisis makes heatwaves more common, the UK needs to adapt. We need to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat.”

He added: “That means new laws on maximum working temperatures. This will incentivise employers to make improvements to workplaces to keep them cool and safe.”

So far, Andy Burnham’s government has rejected calls for a maximum workplace temperature.

A government spokesperson said: “We have no plans to introduce a mandatory maximum workplace temperature.

“The Health and Safety Executive has shared guidance for employers to plan for and support those working in extreme heat to keep workers healthy and safe.”

Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward