UK heatwaves may have cost economy £4.4bn in lost output so far this year, analysis finds
Summary
Repeated heatwaves in the UK this year have caused an estimated £4.4 billion loss in economic output by the end of July. Heat reduces worker productivity and forces some equipment to shut down, with the highest impact in London and the southeast.Key Facts
- UK heatwaves in May, June, and July have reduced economic output by around £4.4 billion.
- Workers become less productive during high temperatures, and some machines must stop working due to overheating.
- Verdant recommends rules to limit working temperatures and supports paying workers who lose hours due to heat.
- The UK experienced its hottest summer on record, with an amber warning for extreme heat issued recently.
- Indirect costs like wildfire fighting and extra energy use are not included in the £4.4 billion figure.
- If heatwaves continue to worsen, annual economic losses could exceed £25 billion by 2030.
- Research shows for every 1°C rise above 30°C, worker productivity drops by 3%.
- Nearly three-quarters of England is officially in drought following this summer’s heatwaves.
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