Can You Keep Your Kids Off School or Refuse to Work During a Heatwave?
Can you keep your kids off school – While the UK does not have a legal threshold for temperature that dictates when work or school must cease, the Met Office has now issued a rare red warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales. This alert, which begins at 09:00 on Wednesday and lasts until 21:00 on Thursday, covers central, southern, and south-east England, as well as sections of south Wales. Temperatures are expected to surge, potentially reaching 40°C in certain areas by midweek.
School Responses to the Heatwave
Several educational institutions in the affected regions have announced early closures or full shutdowns during the peak of the heat. However, the government has not mandated school closures, emphasizing that schools are generally capable of managing conditions safely. It argues that maintaining in-person learning is crucial for students’ academic progress.
“Schools can usually be managed safely, and keeping children in school is important,” the government states.
Teaching unions have advised that indoor temperatures should not exceed 26°C. School administrators will monitor conditions closely, using risk assessments and observing signs of pupil fatigue, particularly among those with health vulnerabilities. If a school decides to close, it must first consult with the chair of governors, academy trust, or employer.
Workplace Guidance During Extreme Heat
Employers are not legally required to close workplaces or allow staff to stay home during a heatwave, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The guidance highlights the need to maintain “comfortable” indoor temperatures and ensure fresh air circulation. Acas, the workplace advisory body, notes that closing a workplace is typically a last resort unless extreme circumstances demand it.
“Any such decision should only be taken where there are no alternative options and should be communicated clearly and in good time,” says Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie.
Employees may request adjustments, such as relaxed uniform rules or modified schedules, if conditions become unbearable. Some schools have already relaxed dress codes, permitting children to wear PE kits instead of uniforms. Adjustments like shifting lesson times and relocating activities to cooler spaces are also being considered.
Additional Measures for Heat Safety
Schools are encouraged to use CO2 monitors to assess ventilation and might keep windows closed if outdoor temperatures surpass indoor levels. Fans should be avoided when temperatures exceed 35°C. Parents are advised to ensure their children stay hydrated and wear loose, light-colored clothing. Sunscreen with high protection is recommended, and some institutions may ask students to bring their own for reapplication throughout the day.
Michelle Last, a partner at Keystone Law, suggests employees could have grounds to request time off if working conditions become unsafe. Meanwhile, the Climate Change Committee has called for introducing a maximum temperature limit for workplaces to safeguard individuals as heatwaves grow more intense due to climate change. In colder weather, the HSE recommends indoor temperatures of at least 16°C, or 13°C for physically demanding tasks.
While the government maintains that school attendance is vital for learning, it acknowledges the need for flexibility in extreme heat. Parents are encouraged to follow school protocols, with additional tips available on home cooling, recognizing heat exhaustion symptoms, and sleeping comfortably during high temperatures.
