MInimum breaks I can take??

Kavanne

Hi

I want to ask my work about compressed hours but I need to know; what is the legal minimum breaks I have to take during an 8 hr shift in an office?? Do I have to take an hour for lunch?? Thanks

Owain_Moneysaver

20 minute rest break if you are expected to work more than six hours at a stretch.

• the break must be in one block
• it cannot be taken off one end of the working day - it must be somewhere in the middle
• you are allowed to spend it away from the place on your employer's premises where you work
• your employer can say when the break must be taken, as long as it meets these conditions

Daily rest - a break between working days


If you are an adult worker you have the right to a break of at least 11 hours between working days. This means as an adult worker, if you finish work at 8.00 pm on Monday you should not start work until 7.00 am on Tuesday.
(from direct.gov.uk)

Kavanne

So could I do 8-5 with just a 20 min break??

mjm3346

Kavanne wrote: »

So could I do 8-5 with just a 20 min break??

Up to your employer, has to be at least 20 mins, they may count in 15 min blocks and expect at least a 30min break.

thegurrl

Kavanne wrote: »

Hi

I want to ask my work about compressed hours but I need to know; what is the legal minimum breaks I have to take during an 8 hr shift in an office?? Do I have to take an hour for lunch?? Thanks

The amount of break time you get is usually agreed with your employer. It may be written down somewhere (eg in your contract of employment) or might just be part of your employer's standard practice.
Your employer must give you at least the rest breaks required by the Working Time Regulations. They must also ensure that your health and safety is not put at risk. This means that your employer might have to give you more than the amount set out in the regulations, if this reduces a health and safety risk.

Rest breaks - a break during your working day


As an adult worker (over 18), you will normally have the right to a 20 minute rest break if you are expected to work more than six hours at a stretch.
A lunch or coffee break can count as your rest break. Additional breaks might be given by your contract of employment. There is no statutory right to 'smoking breaks'.
The requirements are:

• the break must be in one block
• it cannot be taken off one end of the working day - it must be somewhere in the middle
• you are allowed to spend it away from the place on your employer's premises where you work
• your employer can say when the break must be taken, as long as it meets these conditions

:A

hellokitty08

just to add, it doesnt have to be paid!

LittleVoice

You do not have to take a break. You are entitled to a minimum break but do not have to take it if you don't want to. However it is also perfectly OK if your employer wants to insist you do take a break - and they could say that it had to be 30 mins or an hour.

Kavanne

Thanks everyone I think they will be ok with me just taking one 20 min paid break