to want a lunch break?

[MirandaGoshawk]

I work some afternoons in a small shop. The owners (a DH & DW) have two other shops in another town a few miles away, which they both work in, doing full days. They have another staff member who is leaving & would like me to cover for some days. I met this other lady yesterday & was surprised to hear that she, and the owners, all do 9.30 to 5pm alone with no breaks - just eat sandwiches behind the counter, with a ten-minute lock-up & dash to buy them if necessary. I asked the owner & he confirmed this.

They are small, pleasant, specialist shops so not busy/raking in money, & times are hard. But AIBU to want half an hour or 45 mins to browse the (new to me) shops & have a change of scene?

What do you think?

Yanbu. And there's no way I would work 7+ hours straight alone. That sounds like a ghastly job, tbh.

Chipping, that's bollocks. Trades unions were formed to give workers basic rights. Saying 'like it or get out of the way' is not the way to advance fair working conditions for all.

"It isn't practical to give a sole employee in a retail situation a lunch break."

It's a legal requirement to give them a break. Practical or not.

Thanks bib. It's actually a very nice shop, with lovely customers ('cos it's in a very nice town!). But 7 hours straight is likely to be a bit much for me.

Yanbu, you are entitled to have a break. If the owners only employ one member of staff for the whole day then they should accept that you will have to close the shop while you have your lunch break. Offering to take your break at 2 p.m would be very reasonable of you, you shouldn't let them diddle you out of a proper break. Quiet times in the shop are not a break as you are still on duty.

But I'm not complaining about overwork

Thanks Sooty - I am aware of the law. However, I disagree that there might be long term health implications of missing a break for a part-time job in a quiet shop where the worker is temporarily covering a longer shift. We are all entitled to our opinion, that's just mine.

Thanks peeps. Very much appreciated. I'm going to tell them that I will be closing the shop for 20 mins at 2pm. >

Seriously what about piss breaks? You need a break and should have one, not your fault you are there alone, they should be responsible employers and make sure you get a break inline with the law.

Piss breaks - we lock the door & put up a 'back in one minute' sign.

Should add, I will ask nicely about the break & ask that they deduct 20 mins pay.

I had to stop working 13.5 hour nursing shifts because the manager didn't like us taking breaks and we were expected to work through them