New job and lunch break

Savvy_Sue

Pupnik wrote: »

I think if I were the OP I would make a habit of answering the phone with a mouth full of sandwich and slurp soup all over the place as much as possible.

you took the words right out of my keyboard!

It's just not professional to eat while taking calls.

paddedjohn

patman99 wrote: »

In my job, I get calls put-out over the tannoy for me during my breaks. I used to go and deal with them, not any more though. My policy is to ignore them and deal with them after my break has ended.

Also, if you are using a computer all day, then there are regs that clearly state that you must spend 15 minutes away from the computer for every 2 hours worked. End-of. This is to prevent eye-strain and work-induced muscular stress disorder (formerly RSI).

If you need a break during the morning or afternoon, go to the loo. You can't be sacked for having a dump.

AFAIK these are only guidlines and not law and it doesnt mean 'away from the computer' it means looking away from the screen, so other work can be done at the desk.
I read this on another thread a while back but dont know how to search for it.;)

Bobl

patman99 wrote: »

Also, if you are using a computer all day, then there are regs that clearly state that you must spend 15 minutes away from the computer for every 2 hours worked. End-of.

Can you please provide a link to this. I am aware of VDU legislation which is for data input clerks (i.e. green on black screens), but not for general computer use. I sometime work a 10-15 hour day using a laptop, but have natural breaks for the loo, make coffee etc which counts as a break from the screen.

paddedjohn

Entitlement to breaks

There is no legal limit to how long you should work at a VDU, but under health and safety regulations you have the right to breaks from work using a VDU. These don't have to be rest breaks, just different types of work.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests it's better to take shorter breaks more often at your workstation than longer breaks and less often, eg a 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes continuous screen and/or keyboard work is likely to be better than a 15 minute break every two hours. But if your job means spending long periods at a VDU, eg data input, then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.
When working at a VDU make sure you can sit in a comfortable position, and keep a good posture. Your eyes should be level with the screen. Make sure you have enough space and don't sit in the same position for too long.
If you are disabled, your employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments for you may mean that they will provide you with special computer equipment or alter existing equipment to suit your needs. You can also get advice and maybe help with paying for equipment from your local Jobcentre Plus

Bobl

As I thought, this is for VDU work which I understand to be different from PC or Laptop. The difference being VDU work is generally constant with one colour on a black screen (Green on Black). I work for an IT company and they pay for Glasses (if needed) for VDU workers, but would not pay for mine because I work on a PC/Laptop.

paddedjohn

surely any computer screen pc/laptop is a vdu, visual display unit????

Bobl

Can't say I am an expert, but I have looked at this in the past and it is very confusing. There seems to be different rules for Data Input and general computer use. Be happy see a definitive link.

jonnyd281

Bobl wrote: »

As I thought, this is for VDU work which I understand to be different from PC or Laptop. The difference being VDU work is generally constant with one colour on a black screen (Green on Black). I work for an IT company and they pay for Glasses (if needed) for VDU workers, but would not pay for mine because I work on a PC/Laptop.

My employers apply a policy of least 5 minutes break in every hour at a computer screen (or VDU which are in essence the same thing) guideline for all computer users, and pay for eye tests (and glasses) for people who use computers all the time (they also provide prescription safety glasses for those who need them).

dark_lady

Ten years ago when i was working in a sex chatline office we didnt get breaks either but we managed by answering the phones between mouthfuls. After a callback had been booked we also (on the odd occasion) took food or drink with us when we went into the back room to do a naughty call.
And i kid you not a couple of the callers were turned on by hearing a woman chewing so if one of them called you could just munch away:D The reason none of us minded??
Because they were paying about 12 grand a year to work there full time nights. It might not sound a lot now but ten years ago that was a bloody good wage for this part of Essex.
So i guess what im saying is that employees might not mind forgoing a proper lunch break if the wage reflects this.

proactive

dark_lady wrote: »

Ten years ago when i was working in a sex chatline office we didnt get breaks either but we managed by answering the phones between mouthfuls.

i'm tempted to say mouthfuls of what...