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Labour has unveiled a new plan to keep workers cool during high temperatures.

The scheme is being announced today - on what is expected to be the hottest July day ever, with temperatures hitting 37C.

Such a plan was first mooted by Jeremy Corbyn during the 2015 Labour leadership election but had not yet been adopted as Labour policy.

The ‘maximum workplace temperature’ rule will protect workers and force bosses to introduce effective heat controls.

Labour sources said firms' adjustments could include working from home - among other possible remedies to keep workers cool.

If firms did not comply, workers would not necessarily be able to simply walk out - but could appeal to unions and the Health and Safety Executive.

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) (Image: Robert Timoney/REX)

Most workers in the UK have no legal safeguards protecting them from working during uncomfortably high temperatures or dangerous extreme heat.

The current guidance states a minimum working temperature of 16C but does not include an upper limit.

Under Labour ’s plan:

If the indoor workplace temperature goes over 30C (27C for those doing strenuous work), employers will have to put in place effective temperature controls to help workers keep cool.

These would include measures that many good employers already take: flexible working and travel arrangements, extra breaks, access to water, cooling systems/air conditioning, flexible dress codes or the provision of protective clothing.

Labour will task a proposed Royal Commission on Health and Safety at Work with bringing forward realistic proposals to protect all workers – including all outdoor workers - from extreme or uncomfortable temperatures at work.

Last year the Environmental Audit Committee recommended a maximum workplace temperature.

Laura Pidcock MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Labour, said: “As we’re all being reminded this week, working in hot conditions is really uncomfortable, often stressful and it makes us less productive and even ill.

"Plus it’s often the lowest paid and most insecure workers who suffer the most.

“That’s why the next Labour government will demand that employers look after the needs of their workers during heatwaves like this.

"We believe everyone should have the right to basic protections from working in unbearably hot conditions.

“Climate change is already making our shops, offices, call-centres and other workplaces too hot, and it’s also threatening the safety and health of old people, babies and many others.

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"That’s why Labour will ensure 60 per cent of the UK’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2030.

"But in the meantime we’ll also ensure no one has to endure high temperatures at work.

"Boris Johnson has a record of supporting a race to the bottom on worker’s rights, however stressful and uncomfortable that makes a workplace. In contrast, Labour believes in protecting employees.

"We will roll back four decades of free market consensus, putting workers in control, whether it’s on bargaining rights or workplace temperatures."