Rest periods between working days

[Gilly]

Are there any restrictions on how many hours must be left between shifts?

I understand there's a guide of 11 hours, but is there an absolute minimum?

 

[nikebee]

I've always understood the guide was 11 but something like no less than 8 I believe.

I'm not sure if there is an absolute blanket rule, and could possibly depend on the number of hours you've worked or are required to work.

 

[-westy-]

I believe it's 7 hours, not including travelling time.

 

[iamdjdz]

I often finish work at 10.15pm and then start again at 5.30am or 6am. But after that have a day or two off until I'm in again.. Is that legal?

 

[Kitchster_uk]

This link deals withthe European Working Time Directive and whils tit doesn't directly answer your question, some more digging may.

 

[Freefaller]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029451

11hrs between working days.

 

[Cosimo]

Also look here http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/emp...n/employment-guidance/page28979.html#SECTION5

 

[thecremeegg]

It says you "have the right" to 11 hours between - obviously if you dont want to work within the next 11 hours then you cant legally be forced to, but what if you want to? Is that allowed then?

 

[JBuk]

It says you "have the right" to 11 hours between - obviously if you dont want to work within the next 11 hours then you cant legally be forced to, but what if you want to? Is that allowed then?

I think that it is allowed but will all depend on what your occupation is

 

[Vonhelmet]

Check your contract - you may have unknowingly waived your rights under the working time regulations, which may include waiving your right to the 11 hour break between days.

 

[JBuk]

Check your contract - you may have unknowingly waived your rights under the working time regulations, which may include waiving your right to the 11 hour break between days.

I didn't think it was possible to unkowingly waive rights?

 

[Bakedgoods]

You can opt out of this by the way

 

[Vonhelmet]

I didn't think it was possible to unkowingly waive rights?

Sorry, by that I mean it's possible to sign a contract without reading it, thus agreeing to heaven knows what!

 

[Freefaller]

You can opt out of this by the way

Indeed. As I have.

I'm a mug obviously

 

[Gilly]

Check your contract - you may have unknowingly waived your rights under the working time regulations, which may include waiving your right to the 11 hour break between days.

It's not me it's our lass, and she's still in training for a new role so hasn't signed a contract yet. I'm on at her to say something now before it's too late, whereas she's saying she'd rather not cause a fuss in a brand new workplace.

 

[Freefaller]

She doesn't have to cause a "fuss" - she can just address it nicely and casually, or express a "concern"... or at least just ask a question. A lot of managers are more approchable than people realise, in fact I'd rather know that my staff are concerned about something instead of blowing out from their shift.

 

[Gilly]

I'd agree entirely. Nor will I have any sympathy when she complains about being tired if she doesn't tell them

 

[titchard]

Are there any restrictions on how many hours must be left between shifts?

I understand there's a guide of 11 hours, but is there an absolute minimum?

I beleive you are right - I work shifts of 12 and you shouldn't work again for 11 hours between that shift and you are upcoming one, think the .gov links on here say the same.

Rich

 

[Freefaller]

I'd agree entirely. Nor will I have any sympathy when she complains about being tired if she doesn't tell them

You lovely man you

 

[titchard]

It's not me it's our lass, and she's still in training for a new role so hasn't signed a contract yet. I'm on at her to say something now before it's too late, whereas she's saying she'd rather not cause a fuss in a brand new workplace.

What hours are they asking her to work that make her feel she is being over-worked, Gilly?

Rich