Can you leave work early in a heatwave? Lawyer explains your rights in full

A LAWYER has revealed whether you're allowed to leave work early during a heatwave.

With the UK set to bask in 28C temperatures this week, many may be wondering if it could become too hot to work.

But, despite heatwave conditions triggering amber health alerts across the UK, it may be surprising to hear there are no laws covering maximum working temperatures.

Barrister Lynette Calder revealed the lack of rules in place stems from the variation of heat in each workplace.

Some jobs entail high temperature working, such as blast furnaces, steel and glass production.

However, the lawyer did remind Brits their employers are required to adhere to health and safety at work laws.

These include keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, according to Gov.uk, and providing clean, fresh air.

Lynette added that a reputable employer should do a risk assessment to minimise any risk to health posed by the heat.

If you have a disability, your employer may also have to make "reasonable adjustments" during a heatwave to ensure they're abiding by the Equality Act 2010.

Should they fail to do so, and you are injured as a result, employers could be hit with a personal injury dispute.

Lynette told The Sun: "It does depend on your job. But in general there are two obvious points.

"First is that Health and Safety at Work regulations say that the minimum temperature in the work place should be at least 13C but there is no absolute maximum.

"But a prudent employer will do a risk assessment and mitigate risks caused by high temperatures in an appropriate way.

"It may be also that the Equality Act 2010 may come into play if, for example, you have workers who have a disability and require reasonable adjustments during very hot periods.

"In general employment contracts have an implied term that an employer has a duty to take care of an employees' health and safety.

"But on the other hand an employee has a duty to obey the reasonable requirements of their employer.

"So unless you are very sure that your employer is actively (and provably) risking your health or safety by requiring you to continue working in the heat you could be risking disciplinary action if you just walk out."

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a government agency responsible for the "encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare", states a workplace should have a minimum temperature of 16°C.