What penalties can be imposed for failing to comply with the WTD?
The Health and Safety Executive are responsible for enforcing the 48 hour week limits and have powers to issue improvement notices and failure to comply with these can lead to a conviction. This could mean a fine or summary conviction (at a magistrates court) limited at the statutory maximum level or up to three months in prison but if convicted on indictment (at Crown Court) this could lead to an unlimited fine and/or two years imprisonment. Rest requirements are enforced through employment tribunals.
