The exceptional heatwave that struck the UK in June resulted in an estimated loss of £1,15 billion, or approximately €1,35 billion, for the British economy. According to a study published by the London School of Economics (LSE), nearly 24 million working hours were lost during this period, as the high temperatures severely impacted employee productivity.
The study, conducted by the LSE's Grantham Research Institute and the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC), reveals that workers reduced their working hours by an average of 0,47 hours during the week of June 22. Sectors most exposed to the heat, such as construction and agriculture, recorded the largest drops in activity, in contrast to professions carried out primarily indoors.
Significant effects on workers' health
Researchers also estimate that 3,6% of respondents, equivalent to approximately 1,25 million workers nationwide, did not work at all during that week due to the extreme heat.
Beyond the economic consequences, the heatwave had a significant impact on health. Nearly 87% of employees surveyed reported experiencing at least one heat-related effect, including sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or an accelerated heart rate. In light of these findings, the study's authors believe the United Kingdom remains insufficiently prepared for the consequences of climate change and call on public authorities to strengthen workplace adaptations to extreme heat events.
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