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Original poster

Unpaid breaks at work mandatory?

12 replies

dudsville · 10/02/2019 13:13

I've always been told that unpaid breaks were mandatory. Just googled and it looks to be more of a right than a requirement. Does anyone know for certain?

OP posts:

gingajewel · 10/02/2019 13:13

After six hours a break is mandatory and up to your work whether they pay your or not.

Megan2018 · 10/02/2019 13:15

www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work

This is the definitive guide.

Original poster

dudsville · 10/02/2019 14:09

That's what I'd read Negan. I am surprised to learn it's "just" a right!

OP posts:

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Employment advice

RandomMess · 10/02/2019 14:13

Isn't it a "legal right" therefore = mandatory

Comefromaway · 10/02/2019 14:14

If a workplace does not enforce them they could be in breach of health and safety requirements.

libellule1 · 10/02/2019 14:16

I'm not sure what you mean by 'just' a right?
According to CAB: Your employer legally has to let you take the rest breaks you're entitled to.

Some people choose to work through lunch but you can't be forced to do so.

Original poster

dudsville · 10/02/2019 14:28

That's what i mean libel. The law says we are entitled but not that we must. I looked up the law as it is interpreted in my organisation and they use the same worrying. It's not enforced.

OP posts:

titchy · 10/02/2019 14:31

Did you really think it was against the law to work during your lunch break?

Original poster

dudsville · 10/02/2019 14:33

No, i didn't titchy. Love how you come across in that comment by the way.

OP posts:

WheresTheEvidence · 10/02/2019 14:34

Pur place of work does 6hrs 15 then allowed a break. If they give you a 6 hour shift no break

MondeoFan · 10/02/2019 14:41

Yes I think it's a bit crap tbh in my workplace I do 1-7pm I get home at 7.30pm and absolutely starving as I eat my lunch at 12pm on the dot so I can get to work on time. I think personally it's a long time to expect someone to go without food, we can drink water during the shift but nothing else.
If I was working all day then it's a 10 hour shift 8-6 and my lunch would be either 12-1 or 1-2 so in that case I'd only be working 4 or 5 hours before I can eat.
Even if they schedule you for a 12pm-7pm shift they fully expect you not to have a break even though I'm entitled to it!

titchy · 10/02/2019 14:42

Then what did you think? I'm really confused sorry. If you knew it was ok for an employee to work through their break, and you knew it was a legal requirement for an employer to schedule breaks what was the confusion - you were correct all along?

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