The record heatwave that hit Britain in June caused the economy losses estimated at around £1.15 billion ($1.5 billion), due to the loss of approximately 24 million working hours, according to a study released by the London School of Economics.

According to the study, the heatwave affected the number of working hours and locations, as well as commuting and sleep quality. Workers in sectors most exposed to heat, such as construction and agriculture, reduced their working hours at a higher rate compared to those in office jobs.

Decline in Working Hours

The study, which was based on a survey of 1,950 people across the UK, showed that the average working hours declined by about 0.47 hours during the week ending June 22, while about 3.6% of participants—equivalent to 1.25 million workers nationwide—abstained from work entirely that week due to the heat.

87% of participants reported experiencing at least one health issue during the heatwave, including sleep disturbances, fatigue while working, and increased heart rate, while 5% of participants mentioned that they experienced an accident or injury at work during the week ending June 22.

Britain recorded record temperatures in June, with England recording the highest temperature for the month ever at 37.7 degrees Celsius, while Wales reached 35.9 degrees Celsius.

The record heatwave that hit Britain in June caused the economy losses estimated at around £1.15 billion ($1.5 billion), due to the loss of approximately 24 million working hours, according to a study released by the London School of Economics.

According to the study, the heatwave affected the number of working hours and locations, as well as commuting and sleep quality. Workers in sectors most exposed to heat, such as construction and agriculture, reduced their working hours at a higher rate compared to those in office jobs.

Decline in Working Hours

The study, which was based on a survey of 1,950 people across the UK, showed that the average working hours declined by about 0.47 hours during the week ending June 22, while about 3.6% of participants—equivalent to 1.25 million workers nationwide—abstained from work entirely that week due to the heat.

87% of participants reported experiencing at least one health issue during the heatwave, including sleep disturbances, fatigue while working, and increased heart rate, while 5% of participants mentioned that they experienced an accident or injury at work during the week ending June 22.

Britain recorded record temperatures in June, with England recording the highest temperature for the month ever at 37.7 degrees Celsius, while Wales reached 35.9 degrees Celsius.