Councils across the country will be collecting bins, garden waste and recycling an hour earlier over the next two days to limit staff exposure to high temperatures.

Councils including Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Bradford Council, Coventry City Council, Derby City Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council are asking residents to put out their bins an hour earlier on Monday 18th July and Tuesday 19th July.

Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for environment and transportation at Leicester City Council, said: 'With some of the hottest temperatures of the year expected next week, it’s important that we do our bit to help out.'

Some councils have warned collections may not happen if the weather gets too hot, with other council services subject to change.

The Department for Work and Pensions also said Jobcentres and health assessment offices would also be closed over the next two days in areas issued with a red severe weather warning.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on people to keep themselves safe during the heatwave. Cllr Louise Gittins, vice-chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'With a Red Heat Alert having been issued for the first time by the Met Office, people should avoid unnecessary travel and take action now to keep yourself and others safe. Extreme heat is a serious thing.

'Research published this week shows that nearly 800 extra deaths a year in the UK are caused by excessive heat. With a period of record breaking heat due, people should remember to take care. It is not just those who may be more vulnerable who are at risk from these extreme temperatures. Anyone could potentially fall ill if they have not taken adequate precautions.'