As the Met Office issues yellow snow and ice warnings across the UK, People Management asks legal experts what duty of care extends to home workers

As cold spikes are set to hit the UK, employment lawyers warn that organisations have a legal obligation to help remote workers stay warm.

The Met Office has issued a string of yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK over the next few days, and the UK Health Security Agency has put out a level three cold weather alert across England.

With temperatures dropping – last night saw lows of -10C, which are predicted to continue into the weekend – employees’ heating bills are likely to rise, especially remote and hybrid workers who will face the sudden cold snap at home.

Indeed, Adam Scorer, chief executive from National Energy Action, told Sky News that "impossibly high prices and now cold weather will leave millions struggling to stay warm and safe at home”.

But, what do employers have to be mindful of when it comes to keeping workers safe in plummeting temperatures?

Firms who have a split of office-based and remote/hybrid workers shouldn’t forget they have a responsibility to all employees. According to Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the recommended minimum temperature in a workplace should be at least 16C, or if the work involves rigorous physical exertion, it can be 13C.

Jonathan White, legal and compliance director at National Accident Helpline, says that while there are no laws that...

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