“For some disabled workers, extreme temperatures can directly affect their health and ability to work.”
By Tiarnan Millar
The UK is experiencing an unprecedented number of heatwaves in 2026, with more than 60% of England and Wales officially in drought conditions. While many workers may see rising workplace temperatures as an inconvenience, for disabled workers the impact can be far more serious.
PCS has joined the TUC in calling for a legally defined maximum working temperature. Current health and safety legislation does not set an upper temperature limit for workplaces. Instead, employers are expected to provide conditions that deliver “thermal comfort”, a term that can be open to interpretation and which does not always reflect the needs of disabled staff.
For some disabled workers, extreme temperatures can directly affect their health and ability to work. People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal injuries and other impairments may struggle to regulate their body temperature. High temperatures can increase fatigue, trigger symptoms and raise the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stress and dehydration. Cold environments can also cause significant discomfort and health complications.
The law offers some protection. Under the Equality Act 2010, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland, employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers. This includes ensuring that workplace environments do not create unnecessary barriers. If the temperature in a workplace makes it difficult, uncomfortable or unsafe for a disabled employee to carry out their job, employers should consider adjustments.
Examples of reasonable adjustments include moving an employee to a cooler or warmer area of a building, providing desk fans or heaters, allowing the use of personal cooling or heating equipment where safe to do so, and relaxing dress code requirements to allow lighter clothing or additional layers.
Although the Health and Safety Executive recommends minimum workplace temperatures of 16°C, or 13°C where work involves significant physical effort, there is currently no equivalent legal maximum. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, PCS believes this gap in protection must be addressed.
Even as we approach autumn, extreme temperatures are expected to continue. If you are experiencing problems with workplace temperatures, health and safety concerns or difficulties securing reasonable adjustments, contact your PCS representative for advice and support.
- Tiarnan Millar is a Communications Officer for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). You can follow the PCS on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.
- This article was first published on the PCS website on 11 August 2026.
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