EditorSolicitors Journal

Please, M'lud, can we have the air con on?

Please, M'lud, can we have the air con on?

Lawyers feel hot under the collar during UK heatwave

As Brits revelled in the hottest June temperatures since 1976, lawyers faced the unenviable task of remaining suited and booted while their sweaty palms carried sticky bundles and heavy suitcases to and from court and client meetings.

While some workers flocked to the beach to enjoy the sea and sunshine, many in the legal profession were hard at work maintaining justice as temperatures topped 34 degrees Celsius in some parts of the UK.

As the rumoured 100-day summer heatwave began, Acas released some hot tips on how employers can manage the challenges posed by the hot weather. These included: ensure workplace temperatures are reasonable, use fans or air conditioners to keep cool at work, stay hydrated, have relaxed dress codes.

Vulnerable workers such as pregnant women or those on medication should be given more frequent rest breaks and fans or portable air cooling units should be provided. Employers should also consider a temporary change in working hours for Muslims who are currently observing Ramadan and fasting during the day.

But spare a thought for those attending court. Gareth Weetman, a barrister at 7 Bedford Row, tweeted: 'No air con at court tomorrow. On the plus side, I should have shed a stone by the end of the day.'

Meanwhile, Guy Bowden, a criminal defence brief at Red Lion Chambers, tweeted: 'Sat in an air-con free robing room drafting admissions'¦ and court security come in and close the windows.'

However, some lawyers had more luck before judges, who were more relaxed about court dress code. Regular Solicitors Journal contributor Jonathan Black, a criminal defence solicitor, tweeted: 'Sitting in court. 6 counsel appearing before judge and jury all without wigs and gowns. It is so natural. Please can we grow up into the 21st century?'

In response, Ian Phillip, a solicitor advocate and partner at Hull-based Amber Solicitors, tweeted: 'At Hull Crown Court yesterday we were without gigs, gowns and jackets. Justice still got done.'

So, will HM Courts and Tribunal Service follow Acas' lead? Can it at least put some of the money from increased court fees into the electricity meter for the air conditioning? Better take a portable fan just in case.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
Latest News

UN and coalition of NGOs write to Unilever to voice deep concern regarding victims of violence at Unilever tea plantation

Tue Sep 26 2023

Live Facial Recognition: How to Stay Within the Law

Tue Sep 26 2023

Ethics Institute launches taskforce to examine legal services to oligarchs and kleptocrats

Mon Sep 25 2023

Legal Departments See Higher Matter Volumes but Flat or Declining Budgets: Thomson Reuters 2023 Legal Department Operations Index

Mon Sep 25 2023

More Than 200 Employers Named And Shamed For Failing To Pay National Minimum Wage

Mon Sep 25 2023

Browne Jacobson collaborates with LGiU on report highlighting “critical” role of local government to hit net zero

Fri Sep 22 2023

BSB publishes new guidance on barristers’ conduct in non-professional life and on social media

Fri Sep 22 2023

The Chancery Lane Project expands to the USA

Thu Sep 21 2023

Delay in Final Report of the Infected Blood Inquiry

Thu Sep 21 2023
FeaturedThe Pre-Action Protocol review final report – full steam ahead?
The Pre-Action Protocol review final report – full steam ahead?
New report highlights the transformative effects of domestic abuse training on family lawyers
New report highlights the transformative effects of domestic abuse training on family lawyers
Asylum seekers stranded on Diego Garcia win challenge against return to Sri Lanka
Asylum seekers stranded on Diego Garcia win challenge against return to Sri Lanka
A solicitor’s stance on EDI in the workplace
A solicitor’s stance on EDI in the workplace
SJ Interview: Hannah Ambrose
SJ Interview: Hannah Ambrose
Whose human rights are more important, yours or mine?
Whose human rights are more important, yours or mine?