THE day the boss walks into the office in Bermuda shorts, flowery short-sleeved shirts and sockless, you'll know it's hot.

Until then, it seems, most British workers will have to suffer their normal work "uniform" no matter what heights the thermometer scales.

Bless those lovely union people the TUC. They've urged employers to relax office dress codes during the current heatwave to allow workers to wear casual clothes including shorts.

The TUC has launched a "cool work" campaign, telling firms they would get more from their staff if they felt comfortable and did not have to wear formal clothes such as jackets and ties.

Bosses could even save on energy bills because air conditioning would not have to be so high if workers were feeling cooler, it was suggested. The TUC said health and safety concerns should not be used as an excuse by managers to ban the wearing of shorts or other casual clothes.

The Japanese Prime Minister has set an example and urged his country's workers not to wear jackets and ties during the summer.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "We'd like British bosses to work cool and take the Japanese premier's advice and allow their staff to dress down a little for summer.

"Not only will a cool approach to work avoid staff wilting at their desks, it could also save companies money as they should be able to turn down the air con a notch. Arctic-style air conditioning may stop the workplace from becoming like an oven, but its overuse is not good for the environment.

Just imagine: Supermarket check-out girls zapping your baked beans in their bikinis; police officers on patrol in a little off-the-shoulder number; bank managers in their vests and underpants; cosmetic counter girls stripped of all that hot make-up; builders, well they just come as they are.

Incidentally, the TUC has come up with another fun idea, flexible working to let people leave early and avoid sweltering conditions during the evening rush hours.

What about siestas between noon and 4pm? Come on, let's go continental.