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We’re here to bring an understanding of all things employment breaks. Whether you want to sip on a cup of tea, chow down on your ‘sarnie’ or work through your breaks. Every employee is entitled to some ‘me time’ during a working day. We all want different things during a break, but we’re here to give you the legal information.

Law dictates that you must have a minimum number of breaks in the UK. Depending on your profession or the number of hours worked in a week this could vary. You should find some useful information to help you understand the UK Laws behind Employee breaks. A minimum of 15 minutes for a break is a requirement, but what could you be entitled to?

How much of a break am I entitled to if I work 6 hours a day?

If you work a maximum of 6 hours a day, you are legally entitled to a 15-minute break. Your employer has the right to decide when this is taken, however, you can work closely with your employer to determine when this is. It must be used before your shift ends.

How much of a break do I get if I work 6-9 hours a day?

If you like many work between 6-9 hours a day, you are legally entitled to a minimum of 30-minute break. Your employer may decide where this break is to be throughout the day, but some employers offer flexibility and will allow for you to determine with them when works best. Your break can be taken through having two 15-minute breaks.

How long should my break be if I work more than 9 hours?

If you work longer shift patterns (9+ hours a day) you’ll be entitled to a minimum of 45 minutes break, at an agreed time with you or your employer. You may split these breaks into three 15-minute slots.

Why doesn’t my employer offer an hour’s break a day?

It is your employer’s discretion if they offer additional break time. There is no obligation to add additional time to the legal requirement for a break.

Why don’t I get paid for my break?

It’s not a legal requirement for employers to pay for the time you have on break. This being said, many employers use a paid lunch as a great employee benefit.

If you would formally like to check your break entitlement, Gov.uk have legal and accurate advice on how you can be sure your receiving the right amount of breaks: Rest breaks at work: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

About DROPP.UK

DROPP.UK works with employers who follow the employment breaks law with its permanent and temporary employers. If you’d like to explore all the live opportunties we have available within the transport, logistics and Warehousing. We also offer a quick registration where a DROPP consultant will get hold of you.