Unpaid breaks at work.

[ihavenoidea20]

Just after some opinions on this.
I work in a hotel and we were told that we MUST have a 20 minute unpaid break if we work 6+ hours. (I looked on gov site and it doesn't say anything about it being compulsary)

so my question is:
If I work 6+ hours and decide not to take the unpaid 20 minute break, can they still deduct the 20 minutes from my hours worked although i've worked through the whole time?

thank you!

Yes they can

Yes they can. You need a break.

Yes

Look at the ACAS site.

yes, of course.
i think it is somewhere in health and safety legislation,
but they have made it clear in your contract anyway.
you cannot unilaterally change the conditions of your contract and expect them to pay you.

that seems self-evident. why did you think you could.

That break is a legal requirement that your employer has to give you. They don't have a choice. And they don't have to pay you for it. If you choose to not take that break, then more fool you.

They legally have to give you a break - six hours is a long time without a proper drink, something to eat, fresh air - whatever it is you need.

It is a legal requirement for you to have a 20 minute break if you are working 6 plus hours. It's part of the Working Time Regulations 1988 (section 12) .

Your employer can and should insist that you take it.

Thanks all!