It's been a freezing cold week of ice, snow and generally Arctic temperatures outside - and in some workplaces, inside too.

But how does it have to be before you can legally down tools and leave work without issue?

Many employees up and down the country have been searching for the legal minimum temperature for a workplace as they make the journey through ice and to their office.

According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), there is no legal minimum - but there is guidance in health and safety regulations which states your workplace - whether that's an office or your own home - should be at least 16C, or 13C if you're carrying out manual labour.

ACAS says: "Although there's no legal maximum or minimum working temperature, health and safety guidance is that a reasonable temperature should usually be at least 16°C. If much of the work involves a lot of physical effort, it's 13°C.

"What is reasonable also depends on the working environment and type of work.

"For example a bakery, office, warehouse or cold storage could all reasonably be expected to have varying temperatures."

The Health and Safety Executive says: "The on the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations suggests the minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be at least:

• 16°C or

• 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort"

Advice from the government simply states that you should 'talk to your employer' if your workplace temperature is not comfortable.