As a lot of people are aware, energy bills for a typical household in the UK will rise to £3,549 a year on 1 October, when a new price cap is introduced. The energy prices for businesses will be significantly higher, with headlines already being made regarding predicted closures.
In the UK, the Approved Code of Practice suggests the minimum temperature in a workplace should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius. If the work involves rigorous physical effort, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are not absolute legal requirements; the employer has a duty to determine what reasonable comfort will be in the particular circumstances.
Sadly, I suspect a lot of businesses will attempt to save costs by either reducing (or leaving off) the heating or by asking/telling staff to work from home and pass on the associated costs of business to the employees.
People of the UK: Ask your employers what their action plan in to mitigate these sorts of issues. Ask your school head teachers the same question. Working at home, increasing your own personal bills, it not a valid response or acceptable.