Minimum Workplace Temperature

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 only state that the temperature must be “reasonable” during working hours. However, the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice and Guidance provides some more guidance on what constitutes a “reasonable” temperature.

Employees should be comfortable without the need to wear special extra clothing, such as coats, hats or gloves. Ideally, the temperature should be at least 16°C or at least 13°C for work involving rigorous physical effort.

To get the most accurate temperature reading for your workplace, make sure that you take readings close to workstations, at working height and away from radiant heat sources and windows. Facilities used by staff, such as toilets and changing rooms, also need to be of a reasonable temperature.

These guidelines do not apply where it would be impossible or impractical to maintain them, e.g. in rooms which must be open to the outside, or where food or other products must be kept cold. However, you must still attempt to be as close to the above temperatures as is practical.

If one or more of your employees work from home and claim that you should assist with their heating bills, there are two approaches that you could take: Firstly, you can explain to the homeworker that the 16°C minimum is only guidance; therefore, you have no legal requirement to ensure that they are working at these temperatures. You are not expected to enforce this guidance, nor are you legally obligated to contribute to their heating costs. However, if you wish to contribute, you can pay them £6 per week tax-free. If you offer this payment to one homeworking employee, it must be offered to all, which could be expensive.