Key facts
- The UK experienced its warmest June on record in 2026.
- A heatwave from June 18 to July 1 caused significant economic disruption.
- The economic cost is estimated at over £1.15 billion ($1.5 billion) in lost output.
- Around 24 million work hours were lost due to the extreme temperatures.
- Workers in physically demanding sectors like construction and agriculture were most affected.
- The UK's housing stock is poorly adapted to cope with rising temperatures.
England's record-breaking June heatwave, which saw temperatures frequently exceed 90°F and set a new national record of 37.7°C, has been estimated to have cost the UK economy over £1.15 billion ($1.5 billion) in lost economic output. The analysis, conducted by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), surveyed 1,950 UK adults to understand the impact on working hours, productivity, and health.
The heatwave, lasting from June 18 to July 1, disrupted daily life, leading to delayed trains, and closures of shops, offices, and schools. Researchers found that on average, workers lost 0.47 hours during the week of June 22, contributing to an estimated 24 million lost work hours overall. Those in physically demanding jobs, such as construction and agriculture, reported greater reductions in working hours compared to those in less exposed roles like office workers. Approximately 3.6% of respondents, equating to about 1.25 million workers, did not work at all during the week due to the heat.
While many workers adapted by changing their working hours or environment, with 49% having access to air conditioning and 27% seeing employers implement cooling measures, the findings highlight the UK's vulnerability to extreme heat. The country's older housing stock, designed for cooler climates, exacerbates the issue, turning homes into furnaces during heatwaves. Researchers suggest that the economic cost is likely a conservative estimate, as it does not account for reduced productivity per hour. The study underscores the need for greater investment in adaptation measures to mitigate the economic and health impacts of increasingly frequent and intense heat waves driven by climate change.