Napo has been pressing the Probation Service for clear national guidance on working during extreme weather and for Climate Change and Extreme Weather to become a standing item on Health and Safety agendas nationally and locally. Recent evidence demonstrates why this is becoming more and more important.
The evidence
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published an interim report on 30 July 2026 estimating 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during just two heat episodes in May and June 2026, with 753 in May and 2,124 in June. These figures are provisional and do not include July's figures. (GOV.UK).
This is already close to the 2,985 heat-associated deaths recorded across the whole summer of 2022, previously the highest annual estimate. The 2026 figure does not include the prolonged July heat episode, and UKHSA says the final seasonal total is likely to be substantially higher. (GOV.UK). The Met Office has also warned that climate extremes are increasingly becoming the UK’s “new normal”, with the UK warming by around 0.25°C per decade since the 1980s. (Met Office)
Why does this matter?
Probation staff work through heatwaves, flooding, storms, wildfires and poor air quality, as well as snow, ice and extreme cold. Our work can involve extensive travel, home visits, programme delivery, polygraph testing, community appointments, Unpaid Work and working in buildings that may struggle during extreme temperatures. This is therefore not simply an environmental issue. Climate change and extreme weather are workplace health and safety issues.
HSE guidance confirms that employers must manage workplace temperature risks and that outdoor work in hot or cold conditions can affect workers’ health. Employers should assess the risks and introduce appropriate controls. (HSE)
Why Napo wants national guidance
More and more of us are travelling across our regions. Staff safety should not depend upon where they work or individual management decisions. Napo is calling for consistent national arrangements covering:
- flooding, storms, snow and icy roads;
- Heat alerts, wildfires, smoke and poor air quality;
- dynamic risk assessments during extreme weather warnings;
- safe travel and when journeys should be postponed;
- home working or remote appointments where appropriate;
- protection for staff who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme conditions
- Contingency plans for people on probation who may be affected.
There is no statutory maximum workplace temperature, but that does not mean employers can ignore excessive heat. HSE makes clear that employers remain responsible for managing the risk and maintaining reasonable working conditions. (HSE)
Climate change must be a standing agenda item
Napo believes Climate Change and Extreme Weather should be a standing item on Health and Safety agendas, both locally and nationally. This would allow unions and management to consider emerging risks, preparedness, buildings, travel arrangements and lessons learned before the next emergency happens, rather than reacting once staff are already facing unsafe conditions.
Lives Before Targets
The principle is simple:
No appointment, target or performance measure is worth putting someone’s health or safety at unnecessary risk. As our climate changes, the risks associated with our work change too. Napo will continue to press the employer for a consistent national approach which anticipates extreme weather, assesses the risks and puts staff safety first.