According to China's English press body, CNTV, China's health ministry, human resources and social security ministry and the country's top trade unions have drawn up new legislation that will protect labourers from working in heat in excess of 37°C.

If the temperature does increase to above the threshold, workers will work shorter days to avoid exhaustion and sun stroke in what would be uncomfortable working conditions.

The legislation, currently in draft, has just gone through the public opinion process. It is thought that most people will support the new law which also pledges to stop employers from making pregnant women work outdoors when the temperature is over 35°C, or indoors where the temperature is above 33°C. The draft also lists sunstroke at work as an occupational disease and says it will be covered by work injury insurance.