break entitlement

[gary g.a]

if you working hours are 12noon till 5pm are you entitled to any short breaks. it wasnt mentioned at the interview and i forgot to ask!

[dot.hawkes]

probably 15 or 20 mins, that is what my staff are allowed, but I believe working up to 5 hours without a break is not against legislation.

[gary g.a]

many thanks !

[chinois]

I seem to remember findout out from the jobcentre that employers dont have to give you a break unless you work more than 5 hours. Apparently the laws are hardly enforceable tho and they can always ask you to sign a waiver.

[caz247]

it depends in your conditions of service
my prev job was after four hours you were entitled to
twenty mins but the part time staff in my job now get
fifteen mins and they work five till nine pm
hope this helps

[sue11]

I believe employees are legally entitled to a 30 minute break every 6 hours, but this is unpaid. If your employer tries to make you work for longer without a break, they are breaking the law and you can actually take them to a tribunal! Your entitlements should be stated in your companies policies and procedures handbook of which you should be either given a copy or a copy should be kept in sight for all employees to read.

[WendyS]

Any breaks to which you are entitled should be detailed in the job offer letter you are sent. The letter should also include details of your holiday and sick pay entitlements. If the actual letter doesn't state these, this information should be provided in a separate Terms & Conditions of Employment handbook.