Working Time - Over 18s

Lunch Break: You should get at least 20 minutes break per day if you work continuously for more than 6 hours. (So the correct answer to Anil's problem is C).

Rest from one day to the next: You Bullying at workshould be getting an uninterrupted rest of 11 hours between each working day.

Days off between working weeks: You should get at least one day off a week, or alternatively, 2 days off in a row every 2 weeks.

Maximum time at work a week: You should not be working for more than 48 hours per week on average, unless you have specifically agreed to work more hours.

There are some exceptions to these rules, but remember… your employer doesn't have to pay you for breaks unless your employment contract says you will be paid.

The daily break should not be right at the beginning or the end of the working day, but other than that, the time of the break is up to the employer to decide.

If you are doing night work which is potentially dangerous or which involves a lot of mental or physical strain, you should not be expected to work for more than 8 hours per night under any circumstances.

Night Workers- Over 18s
If you regularly work for at least 3 hours between 11pm and 6am, you are a night worker. In general, night workers should not be working for more than 8 hours in every 24 hours. There are some exceptions to this rule, for example, it doesn't apply to caretakers, security guards or certain jobs which cannot be interrupted. Just as with daytime work, you should get a 20 minute break if you work for a period of 6 hours or more.

I am not getting the time off I am entitled to, what should I do?
See How to tackle problems at work

If you have lost your job or are treated badly because your employer wanted you to skip breaks or work longer hours than you should, you may have a claim against your employer for unfair dismissal. Have a look at the information on Dismissal (in 'Ending a job'), and Bullying at work in the menu on the right.

March 2007