rest breaks...anyone help me pls

[crispyduck]

I work 9 till 5.30...can anyone tell me what my rights are on rest periods during my working day...my employer refuses me to have lunch breaks...thx

[crispyduck]

pls anyone?

[Eddas]

I do those hours and get an hours lunchbreak. not sure of the offical rules though

[flowerybeanbag]

crispy have a read here about rest breaks, you should be entitled to one 20 minute rest break during your day. Presumably other people also work those hours, does no one get a break at all?

[crispyduck]

thx....we get enough time to eat sandwich but thats all..then its back to work...another collegue has raised this issue today with her and she basically didnt listen as if she couldnt care less

[callmeovercautious]

DO you get paid the whole time or do they deduct some for lunch and then just not let you take the time?

I agree with flowery on the 20mins thing. Part of the working time directive I believe.

[crispyduck]

get paid an hourly rate for the day CMOC

[flowerybeanbag]

It is the Working Time Directive, yes. You don't have to be paid for your break but you must be allowed to take it.

Do you have a union, a health and safety rep or any other kind of representative? Is it just your manager, or is it a general thing across the company?

[callmeovercautious]

Well at least they are not deducting money as well

You definately need to do something. Is it a big company?

< quick hijack - Flowery - you have mail >

[crispyduck]

small busines..one owner with 4 employees...sry there is no union

[flowerybeanbag]

Best bet might well be to meet with the owner all together and deal with this. If you all go in there and atrongly state that you must be given the appropriate rest breaks, and give details of the appropriate legislation, you might find that gets you somewhere.

[http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/working-time-regs/index.html Here's a bit more of a detailed link which might help you.]]

[flowerybeanbag]

Sorry

[crispyduck]

thx flower

[katiepotatie]

Think you must have 20 mins for every four hours worked??

[callmeovercautious]

Well I suspect they don't know the legislation then. Or are choosing to ignore it. You have limited choices in reality. I suggest you book a meeting and discuss it rationally. Can you get the others to back you up?

I suggest you pitch it as "if you let us have a short break we would be more productive". Personally I rarely take all of my breaks, because I know they are there if I need them (like when I was PG).

Obviously you have rights in legislation to breaks but shoving that in his/her face may not be the best course of action for a first attempt. If they are ignoring this they may well ignore all of your employment rights and just sack you/anyone else that complains.

You would then have a case but that is another thread

[flowerybeanbag]

Is this a first attempt though? I was taking it from the OP that it wasn't.

If it is, do what callme says, but I think being ready to mention that it is a legal requirement is still a good idea should you be refused.

katiepotatie it's 20 mins for a 6 hour period.