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Working Hours and Break rest-times required by law

Hi,

Today i've totally been pee'd off, I worked 7am until 6pm tonight without any break. This is not the first time i've worked 10+ hours sometimes 14 hours without a break. Especially with temperatures on the south coast at 30c.

I have asked for a break however, they say you can't have one because we're busy and short staffed, but this is always the case and if I do get a break, it is usually only 5 minutes. Law states that in 6 hours employees are allowed a rest break of 20mins.

I work in the hospitality industry and I know it is very common but im looking at what is the next step in order to ensure that suitable breaks are given.
Audi - Vorsprung durch Technik :D

Comments

  • Googlewhacker
    Googlewhacker Posts: 3,887 Forumite
    Actually you are only allowed a 20 minute break if you work OVER 6 hours and you won't be entitled to another one untill you have worked over another 6 hours.

    So you work 6 hours 1 second then you get a 20 minute break which does not have to be paid
    The Googlewhacker referance is to Dave Gorman and not to my opinion of the search engine!

    If I give you advice it is only a view and always always take professional advice before acting!!!

    4 people on the ignore list....Bliss!
  • Googlewhacker
    Googlewhacker Posts: 3,887 Forumite
    The problem is that if you have just started to work into a culture where breaks are not taken even if it is a legal right then changing it will be hard
    The Googlewhacker referance is to Dave Gorman and not to my opinion of the search engine!

    If I give you advice it is only a view and always always take professional advice before acting!!!

    4 people on the ignore list....Bliss!
  • Hammyman
    Hammyman Posts: 9,913 Forumite
    Easy one this. Once it gets to hour 6, stop for 20 minutes. If they sack you, take them to tribuneral.
  • Googlewhacker
    Googlewhacker Posts: 3,887 Forumite
    Hammyman wrote: »
    Easy one this. Once it gets to hour 6, stop for 20 minutes. If they sack you, take them to tribuneral.

    Easier said than done.......
    The Googlewhacker referance is to Dave Gorman and not to my opinion of the search engine!

    If I give you advice it is only a view and always always take professional advice before acting!!!

    4 people on the ignore list....Bliss!
  • T800
    T800 Posts: 1,481 Forumite
    edited 27 June 2010 at 10:44PM
    perhaps complain on h&S grounds? you mention having to work at 30degrees for a long length of time - I know for certain I wouldnt have the stamina to do so without a break and would likely be a health and safety hazard for my other colleagues.

    Have a quick read here.

    http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/information/outdoor.htm
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