WITH temperatures set to hit over 30 degrees C in South Gloucestershire this week, trade unions are calling on bosses to temporarily relax their workplace dress codes.

Allowing workers to wear more casual clothing would help them stay cooler and more comfortable, say South West Trade Union Congress (TUC).

And for people who work outdoors, employers should consider reviewing working hours to avoid the hottest time of the day.

Nigel Costley, the South West TUC, Regional Secretary said: “It’s nice to get a bit of sunshine and warm temperatures in the UK.

"But working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and even dangerous.

“Employers can give their staff a break by relaxing dress code rules temporarily and ensuring staff doing outside work are protected.

“Obviously shorts and flip flops won’t be the right attire for all workers, but no one should be made to suffer unnecessarily in the heat for the sake of appearances.”

The TUC would also like to see a change in the law to introduce a new maximum indoor temperature, set at 30 degrees – or 27 degrees for those doing strenuous jobs – with employers obliged to adopt cooling measures when the workplace temperature hits 24 degrees .

Other suggestions for employers include:

• ensuring that outdoor workers have sun-screen and water, and are given advice on the need to protect themselves from the heat and sun 

• distributing fans to staff and providing portable air cooling cabinets

• allowing flexible working so that staff can have the option of coming in earlier and staying later to avoid the sweltering conditions of the rush hour commute

• allowing staff to take frequent breaks and provide a ready supply of cool drinks