Citation urges employers to relax dress codes as UK heatwave intensifies

Citation, the workplace law specialists, have urged employers to review workplace dress codes as temperatures are forecast to exceed 35°C this week.

The company said businesses should have practical conversations with staff about workplace attire during the heatwave, noting that while the UK has no legal maximum working temperature, employers still have responsibilities under health and safety law.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 classifies heat as a workplace hazard, while Acas guidance advises employers to relax dress codes where appropriate so staff can wear more suitable clothing in extreme temperatures.

Citation stressed that protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) must still be worn in roles where health and safety requirements apply, such as construction sites, kitchens and warehouses.

For office-based and customer-facing roles where those requirements do not apply, the company suggested measures such as allowing open-collar shirts, linen clothing, open-toed shoes or lighter uniforms, provided changes are communicated clearly and applied consistently.

It also advised employers to consider additional measures including providing fans, opening windows, ensuring access to drinking water, allowing extra breaks and making use of hybrid or remote working where possible.

Gill McAteer, director of employment law at Citation, said: “A lot of employers hold back on relaxing dress codes because it feels like a grey area, or they worry about setting a precedent.

“But when temperatures are pushing record levels, insisting on formal attire can be really uncomfortable for staff, and it may even put you on the wrong side of your duty of care.