A bus operator will allow its drivers to come into work wearing 'comfortable clothing' to cope with the extremely hot weather. First Bus has confirmed drivers will not have to wear their uniforms next week, so they can keep cool while working.
First Bus operates all over England, as well as parts of Wales and Scotland. Its decision to relax its uniform rules comes as a direct response to the scorching weather predictions, with some areas of England set to reach 40C on Monday.
In a tweet this morning, First Bus West of England advised: "Due to the Amber Weather Warning Alert between Sunday and Tuesday we have relaxed our driver uniform standards to allow them to be more comfortable during the hot weather. If you are travelling please ensure you carry water with you during these hot days," Bristol Live reports.
A Met Office amber weather warning for "extreme heat" is now in force across the majority of the UK. Scorching temperatures are predicted for Monday, with Peterborough expected to hit 37C and Milton Keynes, Norwich and Lincoln set to hit 36C – while temperatures could hit 40C in London on Tuesday.
Climate attribution scientist at the Met Office, Dr Nikos Christidis told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “This isn’t like a lovely hot day where we can put a bit of sunscreen on, go out and enjoy a swim and a meal outside.
“This is serious heat that could actually, ultimately, end in people’s deaths because it is so ferocious. We’re just not set up for that sort of heat in this country.” Her comments were made after Mr Raab said people should take precautions ahead of the record-breaking temperatures but added they should be able to enjoy themselves.
“Obviously there is some common sense practical advice we are talking about – stay hydrated, stay out of the sun at the hottest times, wear sun cream – those sorts of things. We ought to enjoy the sunshine and actually we ought to be resilient enough through some of the pressures it will place,” he told Sophy Ridge On Sunday.
Ministers held a virtual emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday after meteorologists warned the record high temperatures could put lives at risk.
