UK Working Hours in Brief

2008-04-28 14:56:57

( Computers )



Definition of Legal Working Hours

Your legal working hours define the period of time where you are supposed to render service to your employer at his disposal, and you get paid for those hours. You have a maximum number of working hours each day in order to protect you from fatigue and stress. If you have to work beyond the maximum working hours, you are entitled to overtime bonus above your normal hourly rate.

Working hours don't include the time you spend for breaks or meals, unless you work over your meal period. You are also entitled to a rest period each day after your daily shift hours of 11-12 hours, and a 24-hour rest period at the end of the workweek.

If you work full-time or a minimum of eight hours a day, you are also entitled to other benefits like paid vacation and emergency leaves. These breaks are all based on the contract you have signed and set with your employer.

Legal Working Hours in the UK

Maximum working hours and other provisions of the UK's working time directives have changed drastically over the past few decades.

While the average laborer in UK worked 60-80 hours during the nineteenth century, this has gradually declined over the next century. In the 80s, the average UK working hours for employees was 40-50 hours a week.

UK Working Hours vs. EU Working Time Directive

Although it is a member of the European Union or EU, the UK does not necessarily follow the EU working time directive, which sets maximum workweek hours at 48. Instead, a UK employee who has the physical ability and willingness may work above the 48-hour workweek.

Other EU members have set maximum workweek hours to 48, with some countries even setting the workweek at 35 hours. UK employees have exceeded the 48-hour maximum because of the opt out feature of the EU working time directive.

Other Issues and Controversies About UK Working Hours

Some types of work and industries do not have to conform to the concept of maximum working hours, like transportation, surveillance and medical services. The same thing applies when you render off-office work such as business travel and online communication.

Another matter of controversy is that some employers calculate your workweek hours based on a 17-week period, as this may overlook any weekly deviations.

Tips for the UK Employee

Before signing your work contract, make sure that it has clearly defined your maximum working hours each week, rest periods, and time-offs. Discuss thoroughly with your employer as to what he considers as work hours, especially if you may have to occasionally work away from your office premises.

Agree to any overtime work only if you will be properly compensated for it. Always keep a tab of your daily working hours and check your payslips for any discrepancies.

Any unresolved discrepancies regarding your working hours and compensation should be reported to your local government labor office.


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