Can it be too cold to work? What the law says as UK gripped by Arctic blast

If you're sitting shivering at your office desk, sipping tea and watching snow swirl outside, you may be wondering if there is a legal right to go home and warm up.

The UK Government states that during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be 'reasonable'. There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, for example if it’s too cold or too hot to work, however, guidance suggests a minimum of 16C or 1ºC if employees are doing physical work.

There’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit. Meanwhile, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace. Meanwhile, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.

READ MORE: Met Office issues three more UK snow warnings as Arctic blast continues

Where the site is outdoors, employers must provide protection from adverse weather. This may include supplying warm work clothes to employees, providing warm rest areas and hot drinks, and allowing breaks to be taken at appropriate intervals. They should also consider if winter is the best time to undertake certain types of work that may expose employees to cold temperatures.

The HSE website says employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn’t comfortable. According to DAS Law, If a large number of employees bring concerns about temperature to their employer’s attention, they will have to consider whether the current approach to keeping the workplace warm is adequate as part of their ‘duty of care’. They add: "If everyone seems to have a problem with how cold it is, you should complain to your employer about it, not just each other."

The University of Law adds: "Failing any resolution being met upon consultation, and if workers still feel they are at risk, this can be reported to HSE.”

“In short, it isn’t advisable to pack up shop and leave work if the workplace feels too cold – this could easily result in disciplinary action. That said, your employer should absolutely ensure your working conditions are safe and comfortable, so if you don’t feel they are this should be communicated in writing."