Union officials are turning up the heat on leisure bosses over hot working conditions at Inverclyde pools and sports centres

A survey conducted by the local branch of Unison has found staff have become ill because of 'unbearable' high temperatures at various sites, including the Waterfront complex and the Port Glasgow baths.

Inverclyde Leisure employees also reported heat-related health problems at Ravenscraig and Lady Octavia sports centres.

Most of the workers who took part in the study say they have suffered headaches and fatigue while others have felt faint and experienced dehydration, nausea, sickness, and even high blood pressure.

A Unison spokesman said: "The survey shows that staff are avoiding taking shifts on sunny days to miss the unbearable temperatures.

"They also told us that it had an effect on their concentration which is dangerous, especially for lifeguards.

"We are moving forward now to try and convince both Inverclyde Leisure and Inverclyde Council to properly address these issues for the long term.

"From discussion, IL are claiming that the structural remedies are too costly and are underplaying the severity of the heat problems in parts of their estate.

"We believe that Inverclyde Council have a responsibility to maintain the IL estate and, as landlords, should be financing improvements.

"We will be lobbying the council and the Inverclyde Leisure board hard in the coming weeks."

The survey was completed by 38 people from the Waterfront, Ravenscraig, Lady Octavia and the Port and Gourock pools, with some working at multiple sites.

Twenty-six of the respondents say they have become ill because of heat at work.

Union officials have also visited the problem sites and highlighted a number of areas of 'particular concern', including the Waterfront reception, upper corridor, cafe and poolside as well as the entrances to Lady Octavia, Ravenscraig and the reception and pool area at the Port baths.

Unison blame the hot conditions on high levels of sunlight exposure, trapped heat and lack of ventilation at the centres due to 'poor building design'.

Inverclyde Leisure officials say steps have been taken to address rising temperatures at their centres.

A spokesman said: "Inverclyde Leisure employs around 300 staff and provides a good working environment for its employees.

"Like most companies during the abnormal hot weather Inverclyde Leisure and its employees have had to make reasonable adjustments.

"This included new air conditioning units, sun blinds, Dyson air blades, personal protective equipment, fans and during the hot spell we ensured employees had more frequent breaks to use our water coolers to hydrate themselves during their shifts.

"We have no recorded incidents of sickness due to heat-related absence and this is a credit to employees who carried on working during the warm weather.

"Inverclyde Leisure understands its duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees and customers and will continue to do whatever is reasonably practicable to address any concerns in all of our facilities."