As Ireland heads for its first official heatwave of the year with temperatures set to exceed 30C, many workers are wondering what their rights are if their workplace becomes unbearably hot.
23/06/2026 – An office worker uses an umbrella to shade her workspace from the sun in Westminster, central London. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Sweltering heat has engulfed Ireland – and it’s only going to get hotter. Temperatures have been climbing steadily, with highs forecast to reach the low 30s from Friday as the country braces for its first official heatwave of the year.
Ireland has already experienced some unusually warm weather in recent months. In May, Shannon Airport in Co Clare reached 28.6C, breaking the previous May national record of 28.4C set in Ardfert, Co Kerry, in 1997.
Then in June, 13 weather stations broke their June maximum temperature records, while another equalled its previous record. Six of those stations also recorded their highest temperatures ever.
However, neither hot spell officially qualified as a heatwave, which Met Eireann defines as five consecutive days with temperatures above 25C.
This time, the national forecaster says we’re in for the real deal, with heatwave conditions set to last for at least the next six days.
A nationwide weather advisory came into effect today and lasts until Tuesday. It states: “A prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will occur this week lasting into next week with heatwave conditions expected.
“Daytime maxima will widely exceed 25C with values climbing to the high 20s or even low 30s in places from Friday. The UV Index is expected to be high to very high.
“Warm and humid nights will occur with minima of 15C or higher. Possible tropical nights may occur in places this weekend. There is also the chance of some thunderstorms later this week.”
For many, that means BBQs, beach trips and ice creams. But for workers stuck in stuffy offices, on hot factory floors or even at home without air con, the heat can feel unbearable, leaving many wondering whether they’re entitled to leave work.
Currently, Irish law sets a minimum workplace temperature (17.5C, or 16C for physically demanding jobs) but no maximum limit. Employers are legally obliged to keep staff safe, but as long as they’re making “reasonable efforts” – such as providing fans, adjusting dress codes or offering water breaks – you’re unlikely to be sent home on full pay just because the office feels like a sauna.
But that could soon change. Labour’s health spokesperson Marie Sherlock has called for legally defined maximum temperature limits in workplaces, warning that with climate change driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, the risk to workers’ health is growing. She’s backing calls from the European Trade Union Confederation for a binding EU directive on occupational heat exposure, similar to laws in Germany (26C max) and Spain (27C).
Marie said prolonged high temperatures “may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant – and, in some cases, it may be dangerous” especially in poorly ventilated spaces or outdoors without shade and water. She wants mandatory heat risk assessments, workplace cooling plans and financial supports so no worker loses out if their workplace shuts early during extreme heat.
Until any such laws are passed, the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation’s stance is that most employees should “bear with temporary discomfort” if the employer is making a reasonable effort to cool things down. Refusing to work without extreme conditions could be seen as a breach of contract.
And while that covers traditional offices and worksites, the rules get murkier for those working from home – often without air con or proper ventilation.
Mike Hibbs, employment partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, told Mirror Money: “The fact that many employees are still working from home does not mean that employers can suddenly forget their health and safety responsibilities. All the usual rules apply, including the need to risk assess homes as suitable working environments.
“In the workplace, employers usually rely on air conditioning and ventilation to regulate temperatures. However, at home many employees may not have this option and their only means of keeping cool will be to open windows.”
Open windows can create more problems than it solves depending on your work. Mike said: “The potential for disturbance by noisy neighbours and street noise can make this impractical, especially if their work involves making telephone or video calls.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.