Section H: Summary. UK law mandates specific regulations for work breaks under the Working Time Regulations 1998, ensuring employees receive adequate rest during their shifts. For an 8-hour work shift, employees are entitled to a minimum 20-minute uninterrupted break if they work more than six hours.
For an 8-hour work shift, employees are entitled to a minimum 20-minute uninterrupted break if they work more than six hours. The break should not be taken at the beginning or end of the shift, and employees must be allowed to take it away from their workstation.
There is no legal entitlement to any break if you work 4 hours. The only legal entitlement is to at least 20 minutes during a 6 hour shift. Your employer may have terms and conditions that give you a break during a 4 hour shift. When would you normally take that break?
A working week does not include: time you spend on call away from the workplace. breaks when no work is done, for example lunch breaks. travelling outside of normal working hours.
2. Requirements for Rest Breaks During Work Hours Hours WorkedMinimum Break Entitlement Less than 6 hours No break required 6 hours or more 20-minute uninterrupted break 4.5 hours (Young Workers) 30-minute uninterrupted break
No. If you would need to refuse a break, either the break is a legal requirement or part of company policy (so refusal would be a fireable offense). In many situations, such refusal creates liability issues for the employer.