THE battle to keep workers cool during hot summers will be back on the agenda after thousands of complaints gushed in this year.

Usdaw says a large number of people found themselves struggling with the heat in their place of work again during the summer.

It says the Government has vowed to return to the agenda for further discussion in Spring 2005.

Current health and safety code of practice' includes a minimum workplace temperature but suggests no upper limit.

Usdaw recently wrote to the Government outlining its concerns at the absence of a maximum, requesting consideration to one being set at 27C.

Jane Kennedy, the Minister of State for Work, says the Health and Safety Commission considers it impractical to set a maximum temperature - but adds that in Spring 2005, experts will "explore what more can be done and what further guidance can be given."

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, welcomed the Government's commitment and adds: "The absence of maximum reasonable temperatures in current regulations makes it difficult to persuade employers to take action when temperatures are too high. Too many employers use this as an excuse for inaction. All the while, workers' health and safety is put at risk."