What is the reference period and when does it start?
This weekly periods used to calculate the average weekly working time is known as the ‘reference period’. Normally, the number of hours worked each week should be averaged out over a continuous 17 week period. However, the “default calendar option” referred to below, includes some 18 week periods. This is to allow 3 reference periods to be accommodated into one calendar year. In addition, this period can be extended up to 26 weeks if there is a relevant agreement in place (see section 7.1). The working week must start and finish at 00.00 hours on Monday morning.
Normally, the number of hours worked each week should be averaged out over a continuous 17 week period. However, the “default calendar option” referred to on page 13 of this guide includes some 18 week periods. This is to allow 3 reference periods to be accommodated into one calendar year. In addition, this period can be extended up to 26 weeks if there is a relevant agreement in place. This continuous 17 – 26 week period is used to calculate the average weekly working time and is known as the ‘reference period’. The working week must start and finish at 00.00 hours on Monday morning. So the starting point for calculating the average 48 hour and 60-hour weekly limits should always be 00.00 on Monday morning.
