Employers who did little or nothing to make working conditions more bearable during the recent heatwave were attacked by union leaders yesterday.

The TUC said workers should not have to endure "sweatshop" conditions if the heat returned.

Unions received calls for help from workers in industries including retail and transport as temperatures soared.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said it received a number of calls, including one based in a foreign exchange booth in London where the temperature reached 35C (95F).

Tuesday August 19, 2003