Can you refuse to work during the UK heatwave? From schools to trains, all your hot weather questions answered

The UK’s heatwave has disrupted schools, workplaces and national transport across the country.

It comes as the Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England Wales.

But can you refuse to work and clock off early in a heatwave? And are you entitled to compensation if plans are melted by the hot weather?

Here we explain the rules and what you need to know.

Is there a legal maximum temperature for working in the UK?

No, there is no law that says work must stop at a certain maximum temperature in the UK.

This is largely because different industries have at different baseline temperatures, such as kitchens, factories, or outdoor construction sites.

However, employers can’t simply ignore extreme heat and do have a legal duty of care to their workers.

We outline the measures they need to take below.

What does UK law say about working in hot weather?

General health and safety requirements mean employers must make sure employee’s are safe.

And according to workplace regulations temperatures must be “reasonable” but it does not give a fixed number.  

It means employers must manage heat the same way they would any other workplace hazard.

What counts as reasonable will depend on factors including whether the work is manual or office based, indoors or outdoors, as well as clothing or uniform that is required.

Can you refuse to work if it’s too hot?

You can’t automatically stop working because it feels hot.

However, you should raise concerns if the temperature is unsafe – and you employer must act if there is a serious risk to health.

You are legally protected if you leave a workplace where you reasonably believe there is immediate danger.

Can I refuse to send my child to school during hot weather?

Many schools have announced they are closing early or altogether during the heatwave.

As with workplaces, there is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms.

However, school heads should be carrying out risk assessments and making adjustments to normal routines.

This could mean rotating children into cooler classrooms, as well as limiting physical activity during the heatwave, as well as allowing children to wear PE kits instead of normal uniforms.

Schools should also be making extra efforts to keep pupils drinking water throughout the day.

If you school is open, the government recommends that you send them in as usual.

Employer responsibilities during hot weather

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect workers from extreme heat such as the UK heatwave taking place this week.

Employers should be assessing workplace risks, including high temperatures, and taking the appropriate action.

This means putting reasonable measures to reduce discomfort and prevent illness.

Employers should also consult and involve staff in identifying practical solutions to hot working conditions.

It means you employed is obligated to make the right and obvious moves such as looking to provide air-conditioning or fans for hot and stuffy offices, as well as block direct sunlight.

Employers should also support employee health by providing free drinking water, extra breaks to rest and cool down, as well as cool rest areas.

In some cases, employers could adapt working conditions such as offering earlier shifts to beat the heat or rotate tasks to relocate workers to cooler areas, and relax dress codes where it’s safe to do so.

Certain employees are more vulnerable to heat and may need additional protections.

This includes pregnant workers, older employees and workers with medical conditions.

What are the rules around working outside in hot weather?

Employees working outside, including construction workers, delivery drivers, and agricultural staff, face higher risks from the heatwave.

Employers should be providing shade and sun protection, sun cream and appropriate clothing, as well as scheduling heavy tasks during cooler times of day.

Can I get compensation from train delays?

Many train services are delayed or cancelled altogether, as a result of the hot weather.

If your train arrives at least 15 minutes late at its destination, you may be eligible for compensation through the UK’s Delay Repay schemes.

You can claim:

• 25% of your ticket cost if the train is between 15 and 29 minutes late

• 50% of your ticket cost if the train is 30–59 minutes late →

• 100% of your ticket cost if the train is 60 minutes or more late

You’ll need to register and go through the train operator to claim. The process is straightforward you’ll just need to give a few details about your journey including proof of a ticket.