The Clocks Go Back on 25 October: Is Your Team Still Visible After Dark?

When the clocks go back on 25 October 2026, many UK workers will be travelling to and from work in the dark. For construction crews, delivery drivers and outdoor maintenance teams, now is a good time to check hi vis winter workwear before darker shifts become routine.

The challenge is not simply wearing something bright. Workers need high-visibility clothing that suits their surroundings, changing weather and the risks of their job.

Key Takeaways

• With the clocks going back safety, plenty of people will be heading to and from work in the dark or half-light.

• Hi-vis gear makes workers easy to spot on busy sites, especially when vehicles are moving nearby.

• Reflective strips really come into their own at night, bouncing back light when headlights hit them.

• Pick your kit based on the site’s risk assessment, how visible people need to be, and the conditions they’ll be working in.

• Layer up to stay warm, but make sure jumpers and jackets don’t cover the fluorescent fabric or reflective strips.

• A waterproof hi-vis jacket keeps workers drier and more comfortable through cold, wet shifts.

Why Do the Clocks Going Back Affect Workplace Visibility?

The clocks go back an hour in the UK on Sunday 25 October 2026, bringing British Summer Time to an end. The day itself isn’t any shorter, but the light shifts towards the morning, so a lot of afternoon commutes and evening shifts will now happen in the dark.

For teams working outdoors, the clock change can affect visibility in a few ways:

• Commuting in the dark: Staff walking or cycling to work can be much harder for drivers to spot.

• Early starts: Construction, transport and maintenance crews are often on the job before the sun is up.

• Late finishes: Deliveries, site clearance and roadside work can run on well after the light has gone.

• Poor weather: Rain, mist and fog make it tougher to pick workers out from what’s around them.

• Changing light conditions: Workers may move between well-lit areas and darker access roads, yards or work zones.

These risks are particularly important wherever people work close to moving vehicles or machinery. A clothing choice that suits a bright summer afternoon may not provide the visibility required for a dark, wet winter shift.

The clocks going back are a useful reminder for employers to review clothing, equipment and working practices before winter conditions become more challenging.

What High-Visibility Clothing Do Workers Need for Dark Evenings?

The right high visibility clothing dark evenings comes down to the job, where it’s being done and how much risk is involved. A simple vest might be fine for some roles, but anyone working close to moving vehicles will probably need more coverage and a higher level of conspicuity.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to consider lighting, weather, the wearer's needs and compatibility with other personal protective equipment when selecting high-visibility clothing.

Here is what to consider when reviewing your team's winter workwear. 

A garment should not be selected simply because it looks bright. Its certification, design and coverage must match the job's requirements.

For teams reviewing their options, Harveys' hi vis jackets offer a practical starting point for comparing high-visibility outerwear.

Why Does the EN ISO 20471 Badge Matter?

When choosing high-visibility workwear, look for the EN ISO 20471 marking where the job requires certified high-visibility clothing.

EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility clothing for professional use. It sets requirements for the garment's conspicuous materials and design so that wearers can be seen in daylight, low light and when illuminated by headlights. 

The garment's class matters because different tasks require different levels of visibility. In general, the standard’s three classes set out rising minimum amounts of visible material, with Class 3 giving the highest level of conspicuity.

Before purchasing or issuing garments, employers should:

• Check the label and manufacturer's information for the applicable standard and class.

• Match the garment's certification to the workplace risk assessment and site rules.

• Confirm whether the task requires a vest, jacket, trousers or a combination.

• Make sure the clothing fits properly and does not restrict movement.

• Inspect the garment regularly for damage, dirt, fading or worn reflective material.

Important: An EN ISO 20471 badge does not automatically make every garment suitable for every site. The required class and garment combination depend on the specific risks and work conditions. 

How Should You Layer Over Hi-Vis Clothing in Winter?

Cold weather brings a familiar problem: workers need extra warmth, but pulling ordinary clothing on over their hi-vis can cut down the fluorescent area or hide the reflective strips. 

The safest approach is to plan the layers around the required protective clothing, rather than leaving hi-vis as an afterthought.

• Start with the right base and mid-layers

Start with comfortable base layers and add suitable insulating garments to hold in the warmth. Check that every layer lets workers move freely and get on with their tasks without feeling restricted.

• Choose a suitable hi-vis outer layer.

If workers need a coat over their usual uniform, consider certified high-visibility outerwear designed for the conditions. Harveys' hi vis waterproof jackets are worth exploring for teams that need to consider both visibility and wet-weather protection.

A certified outer jacket may be more appropriate than putting an ordinary waterproof coat over a hi-vis vest. The key is to ensure the complete outfit meets the site's requirements.

• Keep reflective areas visible

Avoid wearing unapproved jumpers, coats or backpacks over reflective strips. Check that collars, hoods, straps and other accessories do not obscure important visible areas.

If additional layers are necessary, confirm that the combination remains suitable for the task. Do not assume that wearing two garments together automatically preserves the required certification or visibility class.

• Check the fit before the shift

Ask workers to try their complete winter outfit before wearing it on site. Sleeves should not bunch up over reflective bands, and jackets should allow normal movement without becoming loose or obstructive. 

Are Hi-Vis Vests Enough for Winter Work?

Sometimes, but not always. A vest can be fine for certain lower-risk jobs, but other roles need a jacket, or a mix of garments, to give better visibility.

A vest works well as a light layer over an existing uniform. It won’t necessarily keep anyone warm or dry, though, and pulling an ordinary coat over the top can hide the reflective material. 

When comparing hi vis vests with jackets, consider:

• The visibility class required for the task.

• How much of the body needs to be covered.

• Whether workers will be exposed to rain, wind or low temperatures.

• Whether the garment will be worn over other PPE or workwear.

• Whether the complete outfit meets site requirements.

For cold, wet shifts, a suitable certified hi-vis jacket may be a more practical choice. For other jobs, a vest may be entirely appropriate. The workplace assessment, not the season alone, should determine the decision.

What Should Employers Check Before Winter Shifts Begin?

The clocks changing provide a useful prompt to review your team's equipment before darker conditions become routine.

Use this checklist to identify issues early:

• Review site lighting and risks around pedestrians, vehicles and machinery.

• Check that each worker has the appropriate high-visibility clothing for their role.

• Confirm the EN ISO 20471 marking and required visibility class where applicable.

• Test the fit and compatibility of winter layers and other PPE.

• Inspect reflective strips, fastenings, seams and fabric condition.

• Arrange cleaning, repairs or replacement where garments are damaged or excessively soiled.

• Remind staff when and how their high-visibility clothing must be worn. 

Employers should also ensure workers understand why the clothing is required and how to report damage or poor fit. High-visibility clothing supports workplace safety, but it does not replace appropriate lighting, safe traffic management, training or other control measures.

FAQs 

When do the clocks go back in the UK in 2026?

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026. At 2 am, the UK returns from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time. 

Why is hi-vis clothing important during dark evenings?

Hi-vis clothing helps workers stand out from what’s around them. The fluorescent fabric does the job in daylight and in some low-light conditions, while the reflective strips come into play when headlights hit them.

What does EN ISO 20471 mean on a hi-vis jacket?

EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility clothing for professional use. Its classes specify requirements for visible material and garment design. Choose a class appropriate to the job's risk assessment.

Can workers wear a normal coat over a hi-vis vest?

They shouldn’t assume that’s fine. An ordinary coat can cover the fluorescent fabric and reflective strips, which reduces how visible someone is. Go for proper hi-vis outerwear instead, and check that the whole outfit meets the site’s requirements.

Are hi-vis waterproof jackets suitable for winter?

They can be a handy option when workers need to be seen and kept dry in wet weather. Before handing one out, check the garment’s certification, how well it protects against the weather and whether it’s right for the job.