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Written question asked by Laura Kyrke-Smith (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 4 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Employment: Temperature

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Health and Safety Executive guidance on workplace uniform requirements during periods of extreme heat.

Answer

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance to employers on measures they can take to protect workers during periods of extreme heat. This includes considering changes to working arrangements and relaxing formal dress codes, including staff uniform policies, where appropriate. However, employers must ensure that any personal protective equipment required for the work activity continues to be worn.

HSE will be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature and there will be an opportunity to respond in due course.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25199
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Staff Employment Health and safety Temperature Uniforms
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk