Employment law – what breaks am i entitled to?
If you work over 6 hours you are legally entitled to a 20 minute break. It comes from an EC Directive. Not a lot, I know, but better than the nothing your boss is allowing you just now. This is the legal minimum, most employers give more than that, and you should be allowed to take your break away from your workstation. If they refuse to allow you your 20 minute break on early shifts, take them anyway and if you’re disciplined take it to industrial tribunal, you’ll win. Consult with ACAS, they can give you invaluable advice on your rights as an employee.
The UK law is a 20 minute break every 6 hours legal minium. In addition you are entitled to an 11 hr break between shifts and 24 hrs off in any 7 day period (doesnt have to be a monday to sunday week) There seems to be a lot of confusion regrding minimum breaks so I have just looked it up to ensure I gave you the correct answer and I did. The minimum is 20 minutes in a six hour period in addition ‘the break can not be taken at the start or end of that period’. Type in Working Time Directive in google and it will show you that im correct.
Your confusion and ignorance is minimal and excusable compared to the absoloute rubbish that some of these answers are giving. For every 4 hours you work, you are entitled to one break of minimum 20 minute. For working more than 7 hours, you are also entitled to 2 short breaks (*** breaks/ toilet breaks/ tea breaks). The best thing to do is to speak to your employer again and confirm that you have sought advise, you are aware that the law entitles you to breaks, and you would like him to provide breaks effective immediately to be legal. If he does not, tell him you are going to take legal action as this is in violation of the WTR (Working Time Regulations Act). DO THIS POLITELY FIRST.
that is not true, by law if you work over four hours in one go you are entitled to at least a half an hour break. You are also not allowed to work a shift if you have had less than an 11 hour break between ending one shift and starting another. Go to the citizens advice bureau it is free and confidentially. They have specialists in employment and they will inform you of your rights.
