How hot it has to be before you can leave work early as temperatures set to hit

Temperatures are set to hit a whopping 30C in parts of the UK this week. In the Midlands, mercury is expected to get up to 28C today (Tuesday, June 25) and tomorrow (Wednesday, June 26).

This means that thousands of workers are knuckling down to do their jobs in the sweltering heat. But how hot does it have to be before you can legally be sent home?

The government website advises that temperatures should be at a minimum of 16C or 13C if physical work is being carried out. There is however no law for the maximum temperature.

Join our WhatsApp group and win a £20 Greggs voucher

QUIZ: Can you guess these Birmingham hidden gems through old photos?

A Gov.uk statement states: "During working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable. There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, eg when it’s too cold or too hot to work.

"However, guidance suggests a minimum of 16C or 13C if employees are doing physical work. There’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit.

"Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including: keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, providing clean and fresh air. Employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn’t comfortable."

A spokesperson for Trades Union Congress previously said: "An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures."

HSE adds: "A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment.

"Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that: During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

"However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace, such as a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse."