Hours, rest breaks and the working week

Introduction

Most workers have the maximum hours they should work set down in law. This law covers:

• how long they should work during a shift without a break
• how long they should work in any one week
• what rest periods should be taken between days or nights of work

The law applies to nearly all businesses and to nearly all workers.

This guide will help you understand exactly what rest breaks and rest periods you must offer your employees.

It will explain the special rules that apply to young workers, the circumstances in which your workers can agree to waive or vary the rules, and the sectors which are exempt from the rules.

It will also advise on how you can best manage your workers' working hours and the importance of keeping good records.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The rules about hours of work
• Working hours in a week
• Rest breaks during the working day
• Rest periods between working days
• Managing workers' hours
• Check if special exemptions apply to your business