Too hot for work: why extreme heat is a threat to Europe’s productivity

Extreme heat is posing a significant threat to Europe's economic productivity, with economists warning that soaring temperatures will dent growth. Monique Mosley, a food factory worker in Yorkshire, described conditions during a record-breaking June heatwave as unbearable, with workplace temperatures reaching the high 30s Celsius. While her employer offers extra breaks due to union intervention, not all workplaces provide similar accommodations. The recent heatwave across the UK and western Europe has created substantial difficulties for both employers and employees, impacting everything from office environments and commutes to school operations and the safety of construction sites where workers face risks of dehydration and heatstroke. These disruptions highlight a growing concern for businesses and policymakers as climate change intensifies.