Company fined for cold working conditions

In 2011, a £2,000 fine was imposed on Carlisle-based fashion retailer The Internacionale, which was prosecuted after local authority inspectors discovered that the management policy of leaving doors open, believing it would encourage customers to enter the store, left staff being forced to work in temperatures of only 7.6°C.

Also in 2011, general union GMB circulated advice to members combating cold temperatures in ASDA stores, reminding reps that if a store or supermarket is uncomfortably cold, management should ensure that breaks are more frequent to allow employees to get warm in rest rooms and have a hot drink, advising that temporary heating should also be provided where appropriate.