Council staff say they were forced to wrap up in dressing gowns to beat autumnal chills at work after repairs stopped heating being switched on at Town Hall.

Workers at Waltham Forest Council’s offices in Forest Road, Walthamstow, complained they were forced to don extra layers at work since asking for the heating cranked up last month.

After claiming they were told to wait until October 1 for heating to be switched on, one employee told the Guardian Series colleagues had resorted to wearing dressing gowns to stave off the cold.

The worker said: “This may seem trivial but it is an absolute disgrace.

“Since early September we've been asking for the heating to be put on but have been told in no uncertain terms that no heating will be turned on until October 1, although during this time we're expected to freeze.

“We are now into October and still being told that the heating is not going to be put on.

“It has got that bad that some people have gone to the extreme of bringing their dressing gowns into work and wearing them.”

Waltham Forest Council confirmed it had received two complaints from members of staff over the lack of heating, but said these only related to one room in Town Hall.

The local authority added heating at the offices had been due to be switched on last month, but repair work had delayed the process.

Heating was due to be switched on again at Town Hall today (Monday, October 9).

A Waltham Forest Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of only two requests regarding the temperature in one room at the Town Hall and we are not in breach of Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

“The heating was turned on on 25 September, but we became aware on Wednesday 4 October that some repairs were needed.

“The heating is due to be switched on again on Monday 9 October. As always in all our decision making we must consider the best use of tax payers’ money.”