The report sets out the practicalities of adapting to the higher frequency of heatwaves due to climate change.
 
Heatwaves threaten health, wellbeing and are now ten times more likely than they were in the early 2000’s.  Productivity can also drop and have a significant financial impact on businesses. In 2010, approximately five million staff days were lost due to overheating above 26°C resulting in economic losses of £770 million.
 
Employers already are required to protect their employees while working in hot conditions. But the Committee calls for more. They state:  “Public Health England should issue formal guidance to employers to relax dress codes and allow flexible working when heatwave alerts are issued. The Government should consult on introducing maximum workplace temperatures, especially for work that involves significant physical effort.”
 
Click here to read the Environment Audit Committee report.