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18/07/2006
Call for casual work dress as UK heatwave continues
The TUC has called for workers to be allowed to dress more casually as the UK continues to enjoy a heatwave.
The TUC has called on UK employers to follow the lead of Japanese businesses and relax dress codes as the temperatures rise.
The move was introduced by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi last year. In a bid to reduce energy use, he urged the country's workforce to leave their jackets and ties at home, so that their employers could turn down the air conditioning or do away with it all together during their hot, humid summer.
The TUC suggested that the best way for staff to keep cool inside when it's hot outside is for employees to be able to sport more casual attire in the office, perhaps coming in jacket and tie-less, or wearing shorts.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "We'd like British bosses to work cool and take the Japanese Premier's advice and allow their staff to dress down a little for summer. Not only will a cool approach to work avoid staff wilting at their desks, it could also save companies money as they should be able to turn down the air con a notch. Arctic-style air conditioning may stop the workplace from becoming like an oven, but its overuse is not good for the environment.
"It's no fun working in a baking office or factory and employers should do all they can to take the temperature down. Clearly vest tops and shorts are not suitable attire for all front line staff, but those not dealing with the public should be able to discard their tights, ties and suits."
According to reports, temperatures of 32.7C were recorded at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
However, temperatures are expected to continue rising, with highs of 34C predicted for some areas, especially in the south east of England. And forecasters are predicting possible temperatures of 39C, which would top the current highest temperature on record - 38.5C - which was recorded in Faversham, Kent on August 10, 2003.
The sunny weather is expected to break on Wednesday evening, with thundery storms predicted for the southeast of England on Thursday, spreading throughout England and Wales throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to remain high, however.
(KMcA)
The TUC has called on UK employers to follow the lead of Japanese businesses and relax dress codes as the temperatures rise.
The move was introduced by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi last year. In a bid to reduce energy use, he urged the country's workforce to leave their jackets and ties at home, so that their employers could turn down the air conditioning or do away with it all together during their hot, humid summer.
The TUC suggested that the best way for staff to keep cool inside when it's hot outside is for employees to be able to sport more casual attire in the office, perhaps coming in jacket and tie-less, or wearing shorts.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "We'd like British bosses to work cool and take the Japanese Premier's advice and allow their staff to dress down a little for summer. Not only will a cool approach to work avoid staff wilting at their desks, it could also save companies money as they should be able to turn down the air con a notch. Arctic-style air conditioning may stop the workplace from becoming like an oven, but its overuse is not good for the environment.
"It's no fun working in a baking office or factory and employers should do all they can to take the temperature down. Clearly vest tops and shorts are not suitable attire for all front line staff, but those not dealing with the public should be able to discard their tights, ties and suits."
According to reports, temperatures of 32.7C were recorded at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
However, temperatures are expected to continue rising, with highs of 34C predicted for some areas, especially in the south east of England. And forecasters are predicting possible temperatures of 39C, which would top the current highest temperature on record - 38.5C - which was recorded in Faversham, Kent on August 10, 2003.
The sunny weather is expected to break on Wednesday evening, with thundery storms predicted for the southeast of England on Thursday, spreading throughout England and Wales throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to remain high, however.
(KMcA)
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England and Wales are enjoying soaring temperatures to rival even holiday resorts in Spain and the Canary Islands. Temperatures of 33C have been predicted in London, beating predicted temperatures of 31C in Ibiza and 27C in the Canaries. The soaring temperatures have increased expectations that a new record high temperature will be set in the UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
