TRADE unions are calling on employers and the government to do more to protect workers amid Britain’s fourth heatwave this summer.

Immediate demands from the TUC include firms working with trade unions in workplaces to ensure employees can work in a cool, well ventilated environment, with water freely available, and more frequent breaks. 

More relaxed dress codes were also recommended, as well as increased flexible working to enable employees to continue in safety.

Looking longer-term, the TUC called on employers to do more to properly “climate-proof” workplaces to deal with the effects of rising global temperatures, and that the government work with the Health and Safety Executive to bring the law into line with other states by setting maximum working temperatures.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak warned that without immediate action, climate change and the heatwaves it will more frequently produce could cost workers their health and even their lives.

He said: “Most of us will have been enjoying all the hot summer weather we’ve had this year. But this weather isn’t much fun if you’re stuck in an overheated workplace.

“Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day.

“And employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.

“With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt. We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating.”