What are the minimum rest periods?

Most adult workers covered by the Working Time Regulations are entitled to:

• a break of at least 20 minutes from work during a working day of more than 6 hours
• a rest from work of at least 11 hours in every 24 hours
• a rest of at least 24 hours in every 7 days

Special arrangements exist for night workers.

Most young workers aged 16 and 17 are entitled to:

• a break of at least 30 minutes during a working day of at least 6 hours;
• a rest from work of at least 12 hours in every 24 hours;
• a rest of at least 48 hours in every seven days;

In certain cases (e.g. where continuous staffing is required such as in hospitals, care homes and prisons), the rest break can be delayed as long as compensatory rest is allowed later on.

Also, some workers, including seafarers, air cabin crew, drivers and mobile rail workers, are covered by different rules on working time.