Employers who do not comply with orders not to make employees work under direct sunlight during the current heatwave will be subject to penalties and fines, announced the Ministry of Labour on Sunday.

The Minister of Labour, Nidal al-Bataineh, issued the circular based on Article 84 of the Labour Law, prohibiting the hiring of workers during the peak hours between 12pm until 3pm.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Al-Zyoud, told Roya employers may ask workers to make up for those hours in the morning or evening, until the end of the heatwave.

He stressed the need to adhere by occupational health and safety guidelines to protect workers in such circumstances and provide a suitable work environment, without exposing them to risks.