48 hours per week averaged over a 17 week referencing period. There are special provisions for young workers, night workers and children. The calculation is rather more complex than at face value, for example, certain breaks are not counted, in certain circumstances travel to and from work is not counted, hours off work sick or on holiday are replaced by days worked in the following referencing period (i.e. the first available days worked in the next 17-week period) etc. Additionally, employees can choose (note ‘choose’, not be forced!) to wave their entitlements to some of the provisions of the Working Time regs including the 48 hour week. There are additional requirement and exemptions for certain occupations e.g. defence and road transport.

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For adults (18+) the minimum rest is 20 minutes in 6 hours of working, which must be taken away from the work station and be continuous. There are increased break durations for children and young people. The Working Time regs also require daily rest of at least 11 continuous hours and weekly rest of 24 continuous hours or 48 hours in a fortnight.  Again their are enhanced breaks for younger people and people in certain industries e.g. road transport. 

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Staff regularly working 3+ hours between 11pm and 6am (normally) are limited to, on average,  8 hours total work in 24 hours measured over 17 weeks, or 52 weeks in the case of a collective agreement between workers and the employer.  Young workers (17 and under) are not normally allowed to work at night.  Night workers are entitled to regular health assessments. Employers should keep records of night working for 2 years.  Where the work is hazardous (mentally or physically) the average 8 hour limit is replaced with an absolute 8 hour limit.

Contact us to discuss your HR requirements or call 01628 820515.