With weather forecasters predicting a hot and sunny summer, the TUC has published new guidance for employers and unions on how to protect the hundreds of thousands of people who work outdoors when the sun is shining from the risks of UV radiation.

Who is at risk?

If work keeps you outdoors for a long time your skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for you. Outdoor workers that could be at risk include farm or construction workers, market gardeners, outdoor activity workers and some public service workers. You should take particular care if you have:

• fair or freckled skin that doesn’t tan, or goes red or burns before it tans;
• red or fair hair and light coloured eyes;

• a large number of moles.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Keep your top on (ordinary clothing made from close woven fabric, such as long sleeved workshirt and jeans stops most UV)

• Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck.

• Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.

• Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.

Worried travellers are reluctant to use their full holiday allowance amid fears they will lose their jobs, according to new research. More than a third of workers admit they are nervous of taking their full holiday entitlement thanks to the credit crunch.

And another 28 per cent are worried that taking too much time off might make them targets for redundancy. Because of this, a staggering 16 per cent don’t think they will take all of the days off  they are entitled to.

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