How big should it be?

[TiggyD]

I worked 7 and a quarter hour long shift today working with children in a nursery. I was given 20 minutes to have a break in during the middle of it. I thought it was a bit stingy. AIBU?

I'm genuinely interested to know your views. It's not a stealth moan.

I think for every 4-6 hours you work there has to be a 20 min break. Does seem stingy if you are on your feet with toddlers all day.

We get 30 mins dinner break on a 7 hour shift. It depends in care on the whole set up and what activities are planned, whether you can get a drink whilst working, go to the toilet etc.

You are legally entitled to a 20 minute break if you work 6 or more hours. The break cannot be added on to the end of the shift.

Do you have anything in your contract about breaks?

Also it can depend on how much of the shift you are paid for. So you may be legally entitled to take 45 mins (I think that's right for 7.5 hrs) but you are not paid for 25 of that, so they are just giving you the breaks they pay you for. Best way is to ask, and have them explain their system.

I am
Going to play a game
Of
Only answering based on the title of te thread.

At least 7 inches but pref more

Kayano It's only 7 inches when I fold it in half! (Not really. I'm hung like a gerbil)

I don't get paid for breaks, but I do need a brief rest every now and then.

My understanding (and I may well be wrong) is that after 4 hours you are entitled to a break of 20 minutes.
But someone who is a union rep or knows more about this may be along in a minute ....

post in employment
there are strict rules under european working time directive dictacting breaks

Where I work we are allowed a 15 min break for a 4 hours shift if you want, but nobody takes it. We recently found out that if you don't actually write on your sign in/out sheet you didn't take that 15 min, they take it from your pay anyway!

For 6 hours we get 30 min and 8 hours we get 45 min.

legally you are getting your correct break entitlement, but you are right does seem stingy

most companies offer a 15 min break after 4 hours but this is not a legal requirmenet