UNION members and climate activists deployed a massive 23-metre banner at Brighton Pier on Wednesday night reading “Heat Strike Now” as Britain has been hit by its most severe heatwave ever.

Trade unions and campaigners demanded the government take action to protect workers as climate change-fuelled heatwaves are producing a “national health and safety crisis.”

As well as a long-term climate action plan, the Heat Strike campaign called for a legally recognised maximum workplace temperature and a heatwave furlough scheme.

They warned ministers of “escalating Heat Strikes the next time there are dangerous heatwaves across the country,” adding that they “must tackle this national health and safety crisis before more workers suffer.”

Unions which passed motions in support of the campaign include the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the National Education Union (NEU) and Equity.

Unite also passed allied motions.

Greenpeace, War on Want and Extinction Rebellion have also joined the campaign.