Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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.

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:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

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.

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?

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?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread