In the UK, it is not a legal requirement for workplaces to have a defibrillator. However, there are some circumstances where having a defibrillator may be recommended or considered necessary.

For example, certain industries or workplaces may have higher risks of cardiac arrest, such as construction sites or large factories. In such cases, it may be recommended to have a defibrillator on-site as part of the workplace first aid provision.

Similarly, if an employee has a known medical condition that increases their risk of cardiac arrest, it may be appropriate for their workplace to have a defibrillator available.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure that their employees receive immediate first aid attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. The regulations do not specifically require defibrillators to be provided, but they do require employers to assess the first aid needs of their workplace and provide appropriate equipment and personnel to meet those needs.

Therefore, while it is not a legal requirement to have a defibrillator in the workplace, it is important for employers to assess the risks and first aid needs of their workplace and provide appropriate equipment and training to ensure that employees receive prompt and effective first aid attention in the event of an emergency.