In Britain, they pointed out the vulnerable position of workers due to the heat wave in Europe

The current abnormal heat wave on the European continent poses a danger to workers in the UK, who are also deprived of legal protection in the current situation. Rebecca Long-Bailey, a British politician and member of the House of Commons from Salford and Eccles, announced this in an article for Tribune magazine on June 25.

It is noted that the abnormal heat most affects workers in bakeries, food processing enterprises, warehouses, kitchens, factories, and construction sites.

"They cannot hide in air-conditioned rooms either because there is no such possibility in their workplace, or because the nature of their work simply does not allow them to work indoors. <...> They are expected to continue working no matter what, even when the temperature becomes unbearable and potentially dangerous," the publication says.

The labor standards in force in the country are criticized by representatives of labor protection and safety unions. They point to a "glaring gap" in British labour law.

"Although legislation sets a minimum temperature in the workplace, there is no corresponding maximum temperature, exceeding which obliges employers to take action," Long-Bailey noted.

At the same time, it is reported that many other industrialized countries, including the United States, Spain and Germany, have reflected in their laws the maximum allowable temperature in the workplace, as well as adopted appropriate recommendations on occupational health and safety.

"The effects of excessive heat in the workplace are well documented. Workers may experience dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and throat infections. Concentration of attention decreases, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. In the most severe cases, heat stress can lead to heat stroke and even death," the journal notes.

In this regard, the politician pointed out the need to take measures that should determine the responsibilities of employers to employees during periods of extreme heat. According to her, no one should be forced to choose between protecting their health and earning a living.

"The Trade Union Congress called for the introduction of a maximum operating temperature of +30 °C, or +27 °C for those who perform heavy physical work. If these limits are exceeded, employers should be required by law to take effective control measures to protect staff," she said.

It's stuffy to live: abnormal heat as a new economic norm in Europe

Temperature records on the continent are provoking a sharp increase in costs

The Reuters news agency reported earlier in the day that manufacturers of air conditioners from Asia are "experiencing a boom in sales" of their equipment amid the abnormal heat wave in Europe. In search of escape from the heat, people and companies across the region are actively buying portable and stationary air conditioners, as some countries warn of further temperature increases.

Bloomberg reported on June 16 that an abnormal heat wave in France would lead to "tropical nights" and more frequent use of air conditioners, which would cause electricity prices to rise. Later, on June 21, the Associated Press reported on restrictions on alcohol consumption in public places in those French departments where a red alert level has been declared due to extreme heat. In addition, over the past few days, 40 people have drowned in the country while swimming in the wrong places — they were trying to escape from the abnormal weather.