what is the maximum numbers of hours worked before entitled to a break?

[kramer81]

In my previous jobs it was always 4 hours, but with my current job it used to be 5 hours but now its 6.

The owner printed off something from the EU website stateing that it was 6 hours but im thinking British laws are more stringent than this.

Anyone know the legal figure?

[stoo_pid]

If you're 18 or over you are entitled to a 20 minute break every 6 hours. Under 18's are entitled to a 30 minute break every 4 and a half hours.

Click here for more info

[kevb0444]

There are exectpions to these laws, like "opting out" in your contract.

[stoo_pid]

Even in exceptional circumstances (of which, there are very few), the rest periods can only be varied, the total amount of rest time cannot be reduced. In these circumstances workers are entiteld to compensatory rest.

Click here for more info

[kramer81]

ok thanks

[ann_h]

I think it's less if you are working in front of a computer monitor though, but you have to be officially an IT user.

[BetsyLou]

The computer monitor thing only refers to a screen break, not a break from work. Every (i think) hour you're supposed to be able to have time away from the screen, but this can be to e.g. go off and do some filing for a bit, not necessarily to go and sit down with a cuppa. Unfortunately... :)

[18brox]

i work as a printer on a continental shift rota which means i work 12hrs without a break.we grab a roll and cup of tea if we can but don't sit down as presses run constantly.this is all above board and is recognised by the union, it happens a lot in the print trade!

[mrbatfink]

It seems 5h40min is the maximum time you can work before taking a 20min break

"The break should be taken during the six-hour period and not at the beginning or end of it. The exact time the breaks are taken is up to the employer to decide."

http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/page14382.html#rest_breaks

[Otrere]

Where I work we are required to take a 15 minute break if working for 4 hours. We have been told that this is a legal requirement. If we work for 6 hours, we get a 20 minute break. 8 hours and we get 30 minutes break.

Often in a 9 hour shift, I will get a 15 minute break in the afternoon, as I will work 4-4.5 hours, then a 30 minute lunch break, then another 15 minute break in the second half of my shift.