Bosses urged to heat icy offices

Workers should not have to return to an "ice box", says the TUC

Shops, offices and factories should be fully heated the day before workers return from the long Christmas break, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) says.

Last year many returned to "ice box" conditions because the heating had not been switched on early, the TUC said.

This year many buildings will have been closed since Christmas Eve.

"Returning to a bitterly cold workplace having spent perhaps the past 10 days relaxing with family and friends is no joke," said TUC leader Brendan Barber.

"But ensuring staff return to warm, comfortable workplaces is simple enough to organise.

"All employers need to do is to arrange for someone to come in a day early and turn the heating back on."