Should businesses give workers day off during a heatwave?

David Davies, the founder of Haslingden Road’s Sovereign Beverage Company, has let his whole company enjoy the sunshine after they have had an “incredible start to the year” and exceeded targets.

It comes as temperatures are set to climb into the 30s and a red warning for extreme heat has been issued across East Lancs and other parts of the country.

David, from Lytham, even appeared on Good Morning Britain this morning after making headlines with his announcement last week.

Speaking to presenters Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh, David said:“We’ve done well recently as a business after a very challenging couple of years, and with the nice weather, it felt like the right thing to do, both as a reward and for health and safety.”

He went on to comment that “given there is no guidance on maximum temperature, we have to write our own rulebook and this was the best way for us to keep the team safe and happy”.

With more than 60 per cent of UK businesses falling into the SME category, David feels more business owners could think outside the box when it comes to keeping their employees safe with this unprecedented heatwave. 

Viewers flocked to Twitter to share their comments, with Julie Phipps saying “would all love a boss like him”, and David Phillips commenting “good on you”.

Burnley's James Anderson, owner of plumbing and heating charity Depher CIC, has also said his employees will be given today and Tuesday off, fully paid, so they can enjoy the sunshine. 

James Anderson (Image: James Anderson)

However, do you agree with the move and do you think other business owners should follow suit?

We asked Lancashire Telegraph readers if they think employers should give workers off during a heatwave.

• READ MORE: Blackburn business owner to give workers day off on hottest day
• READ MORE: Blackburn with Darwen’s hour-by-hour forecast

While some agreed said employers should give staff the time off the majority of people disagreed.

Kassie Tomlinson said: “Oh yeah, just let all the doctors, nurses and hospital staff home because it’s hot.”

“No,” said Lee Holding. “Just let people have a break and drink fluids.”

Ste Howarth said: “They should be allowed a 10 minute break if it hits 50°C.”

Mark Pearson said a nationwide day off is “unrealistic”.

He said: “Where does it stop? Should all shops and supermarkets close? Then everyone will whinge that they’ve no beer or no food for the barbeque… it’s just not realistic.”

He also said many small businesses need our support and can’t afford to give staff time off.

He said: “Many small businesses are on their arse already and still recovering from covid closures and now ‘cost of living’.

“So they can’t expect to give staff paid time off. What a stupid idea to put into people’s head… saying that, I’ll be spending Monday in the garden.”

Danny Saleem said people in the region should be allowed to enjoy the heatwave.

He said: “We should enjoy this nice weather because it won't last that long, especially in East Lancashire where it rains a lot.”

Emma Lambert said people should be allowed to work flexibly when the temperature rises.

She said: “At least let people work flexibly, especially for people working outside.”

David Meadowcroft: “I think so, depending on their job.”

The Met Office has issued its first ever ‘extreme heat’ red weather warning which is in place today and tomorrow.

The red warning covers many parts of Lancashire including Blackburn, Darwen and parts of Rossendale.

Reduced railway services and slower running times of trains have been put in place amid fears of rails buckling in the heat, with customers being advised to only travel if necessary on Monday and Tuesday.

Do you think employers should give workers the day off during a heatwave?