Record June Heatwave Causes £115 Million Economic Loss for UK Economy

A new study reveals that the record-breaking heatwave in June caused the UK economy to suffer losses amounting to £115 million. The study highlights that extreme heat led to approximately 24 million working hours lost, with workers in the construction and agricultural sectors being the most affected. Elizabeth Robinson, director of the Grantham Research Institute, has urged the government to take immediate and effective climate change adaptation measures.

The intense heatwave in June resulted in an estimated 24 million working hours lost across the UK, costing the economy around £115 million (approximately $150 million USD), according to the new research. The extreme temperatures had the greatest impact on workers performing physical labor outdoors, the study confirms. The report, published jointly by the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), found that workers in construction and agriculture significantly reduced their working hours due to the heat.

By contrast, workers employed in occupations involving less physical labor experienced fewer effects. According to the study, during the week of June 22–28, workers on average worked 0.47 hours less per day. Additionally, about 3.6 percent of the workforce—roughly 1.25 million workers—did not attend work at all during that week due to extreme heat. The researchers also examined how heat affected work hours, sleep quality, and commute times to workplaces.

In June, the UK, along with France and other European countries, faced exceptional heatwaves. During this period, transportation services, schools, and hospitals experienced operational disruptions, and concerns were raised over insufficient infrastructure to cope with extreme heat. Elizabeth Robinson emphasized that the study clearly demonstrates the UK’s inadequate preparedness for a changing climate. She stressed that the government must not overlook the risks posed by extreme heat and should promptly implement effective preparedness and adaptation strategies.