NGO calls for private sector to enjoy half days in summer

Half days in summer should be extended to people in the private sector who work outdoors in the hot months, a left-wing NGO has said.

The majority of workers in the public sector work half days in the summer months because of the heat. With the advent of air-conditioned offices, this practice has often been contested in the media, with many arguing half days should only apply for those who worked outside.

But Leftist NGO Żminijietna has appealed to employers to take heed of the Health Department warning with regard to workers being exposed to sun rays.

"We insist that it is in the employers' interest to take the necessary precautions to protect their employees from long exposure to direct sun rays," the NGO said, calling for a national debate on the matter.

"It is a shame that measures against workers are being discussed with certain urgency while measures to protect workers are still a taboo. The measures taken presently to protect workers from sun exposure are inadequate," Żminijietna said.