The law on working hours - the basics
- You cannot be forced to work for more than 48 hours a week on average.
- Working time includes travelling where it is part of the job, working lunches
and job-related training. Working time does not include travelling between home
and work, lunch breaks, evening classes or day-release courses. ...more
- The average weekly working time is normally calculated over 17 weeks. This
can be longer in certain situations (26 weeks) and it can be extended by agreement
(up to 52 weeks). ...more
- Workers can agree to work longer than the 48-hour limit. An agreement must
be in writing and signed by the worker. This is generally referred to as
an opt-out. It can be for a specified period or an indefinite period. ...more
- There is no opt-out available from the Young Workers limits. ...more
- Workers can cancel the opt-out agreement whenever they want, although they
must give their employer at least seven days' notice, or longer (up to three months)
if this has been agreed. ...more
- The working time limits do not apply if workers can decide how long they work.
Are you fed up with working too many hours?
