Working time regulations in the UK
Employment law advice on working time regulations
Working time regulations are one of the key areas of business management and in some cases, one of the easiest to slip up on. In industries where night shifts, working overtime or being on-call are a matter of course, keeping a close eye on working hours is essential.
In most instances, the maximum working week must not exceed an average of 48 hours unless there has been an agreed opt out. In addition to this, there is an entitlement to 11 hours rest per day (12 hours for young workers- aged 15-18) and 48 hours rest per fortnight (per week for young workers). There is also an entitlement to a 20 minute unpaid rest break for a shift of 6 hours or more, and 30 minutes for a shift of 4.5 hours or more for young workers. Overtime, travelling as part of work and working lunches all count towards those 48 hours. There are some sectors where the 48 hours rule does not apply or the rest period can be applied differently. These areas normally have their own separate rules on working time.
Managing working hours and absences
Of course, in some cases it's not long working hours that worry an employer, but absenteeism. Our clients have access to the BusinessWise online resource centre, which includes the invaluable Absence Management System as well as detailed advice and information on dealing with both working conditions and employee absence.
Peninsula also provides 24 hour employment law advice, ensuring employers will always have someone to turn to for guidance. Our employment law specialists provide support and representation should a client ever need it.
Varied legal expertise
Other areas of employers law covered by Peninsula Business Services include:
- Managing a health & safety policy
- Redundancy consultations and selection
- Sick pay and holiday
- Pregnancy, maternity, paternity and leave
- TUPE law and regulations
- Equality and equal pay
While some of these aspects are included in the law, others are subject to change depending on the industry and the employee's contract. With so many things to bear in mind, it's easy to see why employment tribunals are so commonplace nowadays; and it's even easier to see why so many businesses have enlisted Peninsula to help to deal with the complexities of employment law.
