Heatwave weather in Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and the Deepings leads Whitehead Monckton law firm to offer advice on employee rights

Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and the Deepings are to be hit by a heatwave this week, with expected highs of 37C but normal life will continue.

Many of us will be sat in the office, pulling at our collars and blasting the fans, trying to keep as cool as possible.

Considering the Met Office has now issued a level three heat warning for the county, we asked a employment specialist about workers' rights when it gets unbearably hot.

Louise Purcell, associate solicitor at Whitehead Monckton, explained there is actually no specific maximum temperature for the workplace.

However, as stated in the Workplace Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their staff, which means keeping the office at a "reasonable temperature".

A failure to comply with this could result in legal action.

Ms Purcell said: "Employers are legally required to make sure the workplace remains at a reasonable temperature and they should take this matter seriously.

"What's reasonable will vary from one place to another but employers certainly have a duty to make sure they're staff are kept well.

"When people are too warm they are likely to be less productive so keeping things cool with also help with staff morale."

Despite there being no maximum temperature, offices should be warmer than 16C - but this definitely won't be a problem this week.

For those working outside under the sun, there is neither a maximum nor a minimum temperature stated in the workplace regulations.

Ms Purcell added: "I know from working in offices myself how colleagues often argue about air con levels - it's especially a problem in open-planned offices.

"Communication is key and bosses need to try and resolve any disputes and compromise."

Click here for more of today's news.