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 some cases defined by the Working Time Regulations (1998) the rest break can be delayed as long as compensatory rest is allowed later on.

In addition, mobile rail workers, inland waterway workers and drivers of light road transport vehicles who are not covered by the tachograph regulations are not covered by the standard from the regulations on breaks, but must still receive 'adequate' rest.

There are also separate rules for seafarers, air cabin crew and heavy goods and public service vehicle drivers who are covered by the Tachograph Regulations.