News · 12 August 2026

UK heatwaves may have cost economy £4.4bn in lost output this year

Repeated heatwaves across the UK this summer are estimated to have cost the economy over £4 billion in lost output by the end of July. Green thinktank Verdant said the high temperatures make workers less productive and can shut down infrastructure. The group is now calling for a maximum working temperature for all staff.

By BriefTea Editorial · 12 August 2026 at 7:51

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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Can I work from home? How does heat affect global trade? What's a 'thinktank'? What's 'lost output'?

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