NHS shifts and WTD

shandy1

Hi, I have a few questions regarding shift laws or regulations within the NHS (Scotland)
Our department is undergoing reorganisation. The majority have changed already and our side are to be looked at next.
One of the issues is working 8-10 consecutive 7.5 shifts in a row. The rota we are on now, on 2 occasions over 9 weeks have us working 8 and 10 shifts in a row. We've done it for years, and it's never really been a problem but a few people are now saying it's illegal.

I think I read you can work for 2 weeks with 48 hours rest?
Can anyone clarify this?

Also, the 9 of us on the (we cover 24/7) rota, if we have to change, are keen to look at doing 3 long shifts or 4 on 4 off.
However, again some people are saying the NHS are trying to cut down on the long shifts.
Could any NHS workers shed light on what they cover?
Thanks in advance!

bsms1147

If taking the spirit of the ETWD, you can work for 12 days in a row, then two days off. Alternatively applying the letter of it, you can in theory work up to 24 days in a row. But there's nothing wrong or illegal with 8 or 10 in a row.

The EWTD stipulates 11 hours rest between shifts, so no problems with back-to-back long shifts either, as they are up to 13 hours (on paper).

Not sure what department you're in, but the NHS is vying for more long shifts in certain areas, not cutting down on them.

shandy1

Thank you for clarifying this. I didn't think there would be a problem. I look forward to showing this to the naysayers....

FBaby

The fact that it is legal to work this way doesn't mean it is the most efficient. You will look at it from how it suits you best as an individual, they will look at it from the perspective of the service.

shandy1

Yeah that is understandable but I don't think what we do has a negative impact at the moment.

surreysaver

The trouble with long shifts is it is difficult to cover them. If working normal 8 hour days, people may be more inclined to come in on their day off - or someone could stay on and someone else could come in early. Whereas you cannot ask someone to stay on / come in early if they are already working a long shift, and people are more inclined to say 'no' to coming in on their day off.

My industry dabbled with long days, and decided they cause more hassle. Staff are also more likely to go sick if they work long days too.

getmore4less

Many NHS jobs fall into the compensatory break rules that throw most of breaks out the window.

surreysaver

So, the WTD is supposed to protect shift workers, but they all seem to be exempt! So what is the point of the WTD?

C_Mababejive

Too many employers are happy to flog employees like this. Whilst they, the managers are clinking a glass of pinot Grigo with their partner in the early evening, their poor subordinates still have many hours to work,come home, crawl into bed then repeat..

DomRavioli

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Too many employers are happy to flog employees like this. Whilst they, the managers are clinking a glass of pinot Grigo with their partner in the early evening, their poor subordinates still have many hours to work,come home, crawl into bed then repeat..

As an ex-manager in the NHS, I can tell you that is not even remotely true. I worked 13 hour shifts along with my colleagues, as did pretty much every other manager I had the pleasure of working with. I would also never ask any staff member to do something I wouldn't do myself and have spent many an hour ripping out a K nail, talking with bereaved and upset relatives for as long as they needed, even going to other departments when their staff didn't bother to turn up or call to say they weren't coming.

Because my role had a potential driving element, I never touched alcohol, you can never be too careful. I was lucky to see my partner ONE night a week due to 13 hour night shifts. I worked more than 24 days without a day off, but this was a fair few years ago. I put off having children, getting married, every single life event because my work was important to me.

Don't you dare have a go; its idiots like you who are bringing this country to its knees with your manure stereotypes (which aren't even true) and stupidity. The NHS has had so many people like you have a go, and for what? Nothing.

I'm sorry if you don't like this, but the bare faced cheek is just unreal, and the lies are stupid, wrong and offensive.