Soaring summer temperatures have sparked a heated debate over a legal limit to be set on maximum temperatures in the workplace.
There is an increased danger of employees suffering from headaches and becoming demoralised in uncomfortably high temperatures while at work.
Pam Kelly, HR adviser in Thorntons employment law team, said: "If workplaces are too hot it can lead to health problems such as dizziness and nausea. Excessive heat can also mean that a workforce is less effective due to lack of concentration and an increasing amount of mistakes being made.
"The cynical among us think that sick days in the summer months are purely due to workers wanting to be outside and enjoy the sunshine – but with no maximum temperature by law it's an issue which may soon become a real problem for employers and employees as the summer hots up."
Noele McClelland, partner and head of Thorntons' employment law team, said: "The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that employers should ensure the temperature in the workplace is 'reasonable' at all times.
"Problems arise as employees have no grounds on which to claim that their workplace is too hot, as no clear guidelines exist, but a reasonable temperature will feel different to each person.
"There are some simple steps that employers can take in order to combat these issues through the summer months, including relaxing dress codes and ensuring there is a steady supply of cool drinking water available.
"They could also enure extra ventilation or fans are provided and allow employees to take more breaks during their day. These measures could help to avoid the risk of dehydration, keep concentration levels up and sickness down.
"Until such guidelines are put in place, employers need to ensure that workers are comfortable and listen to their concerns regarding the temperature of their working environment."
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Kimberley Hamilton, Tel 01698 787878