Petition · past parliament

Introduce a legal maximum temperature for indoor workplaces

Closed 69 signatures

What the petition asks

Many workplaces, and particularly kitchens, do not have air conditioning. Kitchens can reach temperatures of up to 55 degrees in normal weather, so when the temperature outside hits 30+ degrees the kitchen can be above 55 degrees. Working in these temperatures is not acceptable.
During the summer months of the year, a lot of us are faced with working in extremely hot uncomfortable conditions. The Health and Safety Executive has advised that indoor workplaces should not be cooler than 13/16degrees, depending on the type of work. However, there is no guidance or legislation setting a maximum limit.

All we are asking is for our workplace to be an acceptable temperature whilst we try to make a living.

Imagine on a hot day, having to work in a kitchen for 12 hours + with no air con or windows. Many employers see this as reasonable, because there isn’t a law against it, but it should not be allowed.

Timeline

18 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
18 Feb 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 69
Status Closed
Opened 18 Aug 2020
Closed 18 Feb 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.