How hot does it have to be before you can legally go home from work

UK workplaces will not be very comfortable if they are too warm

Summer is well and truly underway with temperatures soaring across the UK. Some areas are even set to bake in 31C, with health experts urging people to stay safe outside.

For millions up and down the country, they'll be spending their time working. Although many will be offices or working from home, masses of others will be working outside under the scorching sun.

But when temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C, can it ever get too hot to work? There's not one definitive answer to that question, however.

The Health and Safety Executive branch of the Government's website website suggests that temperatures should be "at least" 16C or 13C if physical work is being carried out. With that being the minimum, there is no official law stipulating the maximum temperature.

This means it would be completely down to individual employers to set a threshold. A statement reads: "There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different.

"No meaningful upper limit can be imposed because in many indoor workplaces high temperatures are not seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries. However, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard."

Employers are required by law to guarantee that the temperature within the workplace is considered "reasonable", as specified in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. It is not only their obligation to uphold an appropriate temperature for their staff, but it is also their responsibility to ensure that the air quality is clean and refreshing.

It is important for employers to ensure that their workers who are working outdoors are provided with regular rest breaks and are encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the day. Workers should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn't comfortable as they individually assess what a reasonable temperature should be in the workplace.

Bosses can ensure their staff are comfortable by:

• Providing fans, such as desk, pedestal or ceiling-mounted ones
• Providing air-cooling or air-conditioning and adequate ventilation
• Ensure windows can be opened to keep air circulating
• Shade employees from direct sunlight with blinds or by using reflective film on windows
• Position workstations away from direct sunlight or sources of heat
• Place insulating materials around hot plant and pipes
• Provide cold water dispensers (water is better than caffeine or carbonated drinks)

They can also change work arrangements to avoid people getting too hot, such as:

• Introduce flexible working patterns, such as job rotation, moving workers to cooler parts of the building where possible
• Allow enough breaks to allow workers to get cold drinks or cool down
• Relax formal dress codes – but make sure personal protective equipment is used if required