Break Entitlement

Lizzy69_2

Hi all!

Can someone please clarify if I am entitled to any break during my 6 hours per day? At the moment if I want a break I either have to start early or finish late to enable me to have a break.

Many thanks!

cazziebo

Yes you are - see below from DTI website

Rest breaks - a break during your working day
The regulations give you a right to one rest break during your working day. A lunch or coffee break can count as your rest break. Additional breaks might be given by your contract of employment. There's no statutory right to 'smoking breaks'.

These refer to working time regulations rest of it can be found here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029451

People can't be productive working six hours on the trot so it's in the employer's interests to take heed of the regulations. Good luck!

Lizzy69_2

Thanks for the link!

As I just work 6 hours per day am I still entitled to 20 minutes? Is this included in my 6 hours?

Need clarification before I see my manager tomorrow.

cazziebo

Sorry Lizzy - missed this bit out

If you're an adult worker (that is, over 18), you'll normally have the right to a 20 minute rest break if you're expected to work for more than six hours at a stretch

Yes you do get a break and it should be in the middle of your time, not at the beginning or end.

misscutiepie1984

for every fours you work your entitled to 15 mins break minimum!!

Lizzy69_2

Thanks guys! :beer:

Don't want to be shot down when I say that I am entitled to a small break without having to work extra time either side of the day to incorporate the break.

Just wanted to be sure of my facts first!!!

I am not be awkward, but it suits me to do the original hours they suggested and not have a break if I wasn't entitled.

LittleVoice

misscutiepie1984 wrote: »

for every fours you work your entitled to 15 mins break minimum!!

Is this in your contract? It's certainly not in the Working Time Regulations AFAIK.

For adults, the 6 hours is the key amount of time. If you work more than 6 hours, then you are entitled to an unpaid break of 20 minutes which must not be at the end of the time. It does not have to be in the "middle" if by that you mean half way through. If you work six hours exactly, there does not appear to any entitlement to a statutory break.

ohreally

misscutiepie1984 wrote: »

for every fours you work your entitled to 15 mins break minimum!!

Not sure where you get this from,can you link to evidence?

Bogof_Babe

Surely they can't expect anyone to work six hours straight through without a loo break or a cup of coffee . Sounds a bit Dickensian .

misscutiepie1984

Employees are not liable to have toilet breaks without the consent of their employer. However, for the sake of your employees' health, it is better for them to use the toilet freely.

misscutiepie1984

i cant believe i just found that - when i started working 4 years back 15 mins was minimum for 4 hours as stated in the law on the news etc it seems to have got worse.