Do working time regulations still apply even if you agree in a contract to work?
My company operates 14 hour night shifts in pairs, so there is only a 10 hour gap in between shifts. The only reason they get away with this is because the shift pattern was introduced way before the Working Time Regulations and none of the staff want to change the shifts. Just one staff complaint could however force the company to change the shifts. At present in the UK, most WTR legislation is advisory best practice and it is up to individual employees to enforce their rights under the Act. There are also several areas where it does not apply, e.g. military, oil rigs, agriculture, etc. New working patterns must conform to the Regulations, but historic practice is acceptable, providing all staff are in agreement. I believe that there are plans to make WTR law in the near future. The best place to go for advice is your Trades Union. Edit: Regardless of what your contract states, your rights under WTR take precedence. Your employer cannot force you to opt-out.
