• Date: Saturday, 21 June 2025
• Time: 11am
• Where: Knottingley Town Hall, Weeland Road, Knottingley, WF11 9DG 

A public meeting will be held at Knottingley Town Hall this Saturday [21 June] to address growing concerns over the proposed glass tax and its potential impact on the local glass manufacturing industry.

Long hot summers are becoming standard in Britain. Which is great, of course - when you're out in the park and able to enjoy it.

But not so much when you're stuck at work.

It's not uncommon at the height of summer for offices and other workplaces to record temperatures of 37°(95°F). This makes work extra tiring for employees, and is a potential cause of accidents.

What are the hazards?

Hot temperatures can affect people working indoors or outdoors in a range of different workplaces including offices.

If people get too hot, they risk dizziness, fainting, or even heat cramps. In very hot conditions blood temperature rises. If the blood temperature elevates above 39 °C, there is a risk of heat stroke or collapse. Delirium or confusion can occur above 41°C.  Blood temperatures at this level can prove fatal and even if a worker does recover, they may suffer irreparable organ damage.

Hot work indoors can lead to increased stress and lapses in concentration. These in turn can affect work by leading to mistakes and a reduced work rate and greater risk of accidents. Employees who work outdoors run a higher risk of skin cancer. They may also experience heat stress and heat stroke.

Exposure to sunlight can speed up the ageing process. Sunburn can also occur, and exposure to UV rays can trigger cold sores and lupus. Eyes can also be affected by exposure leading to problems in the long term.

What does the law say?

All employees are protected by law from having to work in excessively hot temperatures.

And to make sure you know your rights, we've teamed up with UNIONLINE - GMB members' law firm - to produce a Quick Rights legal briefing. 

You can read and download it here: Feeling The Heat Guide.pdf

A Teesside wind firm which has received millions in public funds is refusing to recognise its workers' union.

IVF PARENTS NEED LEGAL RIGHT TO PAID FERTILITY LEAVE, GMB CONGRESS SAYS  

GMB Union has begun balloting tens of thousands of NHS and ambulance workers in England on this year’s pay award.

Over one hundred and sixty workers at Lumley Street have signed a petition asking Unite members to stop their badgering of hard-working front-line staff.

Workers at Pallion Recycling Centre are balloting for industrial action that will shut the site this summer.

GMB has responded to the news 170 jobs are to be cut at the Burberry factory in Castleford.

A Government plan to scrap care visas will be potentially catastrophic for the sector, GMB Union told the Department for Health and Social Care in a meeting today [Monday].