Work breaks for under 18s

[antshouse]

My 17year old DD has a new zero hours contract at a nationwide chain of pubs as a waitress. Work beaks have been variable and seem to depend which manager is on duty. She worked from 3pm until 8 and was told that she didn't need a break during this shift. Does anyone know if there are employment laws or guidelines regarding employment of under 18s.
Thanks.

[antshouse]

Breaks not beaks.

[merlehaggard]

I think it's 30 minutes in 4.5 hours.

[MrsJohnHarrison]

I think it 30 mins per 4 hours for under 18s. I imagine if you google for it you would be able to find the right info.

[antshouse]

I tried google but was confused by a list of exceptions and there seemed to be government guidelines but not clear if they were actual employment laws.
I might email the head office for clarification but Dd would be worried go back to work if the manager found out.

[merlehaggard]

Young workers (above school leaving age and under 18) are usually entitled to:

a 30 minute rest break if they work more than 4.5 hours (if possible this should be one continuous break)
daily rest of 12 hours
weekly rest of 48 hours
Exceptions for young workers
Young workers sometimes aren’t entitled to daily rest or rest breaks at work if their work has to be done because of an exceptional event (eg an accident). This is only where:

there isn’t a worker over 18 who can do the work
the work is temporary and must be done immediately

[merlehaggard]

You've probably seen this but this is taken from the government website and I assume none of the exceptions apply.

[antshouse]

There are usually mainly full time students of 16 and 17 covering the restaurant areas at weekends so that would be an acceptable exception then.

[ChillySundays]

This link www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work/young-workers

It is basically what merlehaggard said.

Only problem is she would get the break and lose 1/2 hour pay

[antshouse]

Thank you . She has worked 6 hours without a break before but thought it was an oversight and , being new and on a probationary period , hadn't asked. However the manager actually told her last week she was 'working 5 hours so she didn't need a break,' so that was no mistake.
I'll tell my Dd . The loss of pay Isn't an issue. Being shattered for school is though.

[ChillySundays]

When my DD was under 18 they used to forget how old some of them were. She was often asked if she would cover a night shift.

The manger is getting confused with over 18s where you don't get a break unless you work 6 hours. She needs to remind them of her age

[antshouse]

Ok , It could just be that. I suspect not though because she is always checking when they will be 18 as she is desperate for more bar staff cover. Any over 18 are usually working there.