Sweat-shop
Question
Is there the maximum working temperature for a retail shop? The shop I work in only has two air conditioning units even though the company admits it needs five. We often leave work dehydrated due to what we feel is excessive heat.
Answer
There is a legal minimum temperature in the workplace, but not a maximum. The Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations 1992 say that the temperature in workplaces should be "reasonable". But one person's idea of reasonable can be different to another's.
Further guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) says that 30°C is probably the top of the range of acceptable temperatures.
If the company accepts that the air conditioning is inadequate you could contact the HSE for advice on forcing them to install more units. In the long run, if the health of the employees is suffering, you could have a claim against the employer for personal injury.
If you are in a union you might be able to get them to help - see the TUC for more information.
If you need more advice on negotiating over this with your employer, try contacting the advice and conciliation service, ACAS. Their helpline is available on 08457 474747.
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