Ccouncil bosses have defended a decision to ban staff from bringing heaters to work.

Several employees at Pullar House, in Perth, brought in their own heaters from home after the temperature plummeted.

However, bosses at Perth and Kinross Council ordered them to be removed. The decision was criticised by some staff, who say they have been forced to wear scarves, gloves, coats and blankets to stay warm, but a council spokeswoman said the heating system at Pullar House is “working as expected”.

She added: “Personal heaters can consume significant amounts of energy and can present a fire risk if they are not maintained properly, are accidentally left on overnight or if they are placed in enclosed spaces such as under desks where they may overheat.

“As with any large building, temperatures can vary, but thermostats are set for 19 degrees Celsius during working hours.”

“This is in line with the council’s policy to reduce carbon emissions.”