Lunch Breaks etc

[elframo]

Does anyone know my legal rights regarding breaks , i.e  what I am entitled to in the course of an 8 or 9 hour day , or can you direct me to a site that can tell me ...

ps I work in Scotland ,  don't know if it is the same rules as Englandand Wales

thanks 

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Nationally I think the minimum lunch break is 25 minutes.  I think you have to had a break after 5 hours working.  It should be stated in your contract.

[ann_h]

Sounds about right.

I think if you are using a computer, the rules are a bit stricter, more frequent short breaks.

[willow74]

Well get this - i work from 08.30am until 5.30pm without a single break and i use a pc all day.  i work on my own and cant have lunch, sick days or holiday. 

joke aint it !

how many employment laws get broken here everyday !

Its the NHS too

[GarryD39b]

I also work for the NHS in Scotland and going by your letter it sounds quite similiar to my own job.As ann_h rightly pointed out you are entitled to more frequent breaks at least one every hour and definetly at least a 30 minute break for lunch.My holiday entitlement is 25 annual leave and 8 public holidays and as for being off sick personally I have not been off in 5 years but if you are genienely sick as long as you phone your immediate line manager or if off for a longer period of time submit a line from the doctor.

If you are at a workplace for 9 hours a day you could end up developing rheumatism or arthritis and as for your eyes the list goes on.I really do not understand why you cannot get a break or a holiday.

What are your circumstances at work? Do you work alone?Are you the only person trained up for this type of work? If I was in your shoes I would talk to a boss or one of your Union reps.