New job and lunch break

paddedjohn

bigbill wrote: »

As your paid for this 30 minute break I would have thought the employer could ask you to remain at work during it, if unpaid I would say the opposite applies.

You could ask for it to unpaid and leave your place of work then.

Have you actually read any of this thread? the op is entitled by LAW to a minimum 20 minute break which they are entitled to take away from their workstation but are not getting. The 30 min 'break' they are getting now may be paid but they cant leave their desk and have to work if required.

bigbill

paddedjohn wrote: »

Have you actually read any of this thread? the op is entitled by LAW to a minimum 20 minute break which they are entitled to take away from their workstation but are not getting. The 30 min 'break' they are getting now may be paid but they cant leave their desk and have to work if required.

I did indeed read the previous posts.

I agree they are indeed allowed to be away from their normal place of work, but at the same time they are not by law required to be paid for any breaks so I feel it is reasonable for the employer to expect them to remain in work and available if paid.

As I said ask for it to be unpaid and leave work then.

If they dont want to ask or risk their job by asking, then they and others should join a union and get them to approach the employer.

paddedjohn

I get your drift now.

t0rt0ise

bigbill wrote: »

I agree they are indeed allowed to be away from their normal place of work, but at the same time they are not by law required to be paid for any breaks so I feel it is reasonable for the employer to expect them to remain in work and available if paid.

That's why they had to make a law about it.. because people like you will otherwise think the unreasonable is reasonable and do what they like.

magenta22

Some people choose to work through their lunch and sit at their desk but there are some things that can only be done during lunch as many things are closed when you finish work.
If the phones need to be manned, then as someone else suggested have a rota system for lunch. Would I be right in assuming your boss takes a lunch?

LudaMusser

What would happen if you were a smoker, would you have to have a cigarette at your desk, INDOORS!

I used to work at a Mercedes car dealership. There were two guys there that used to go and sit in their cars for their lunch break across the road because it was the only way they could get away from ppl and stop getting asked to do things whilst on their lunch!