To think that if you work 10-4?

[Lelly97]

That you should get a lunch break?

I really don’t understand how that is mental. Why should an employee be legally obliged to allow a break during a 3 or 4 hour stint?

Definitely not unreasonable, where I work it’s 15 minutes for a 5 hour shift, 1/2 for 6 hours +. Some people do just choose to have a 15 min one though.
You deffo need to eat something in 6 hours! Doesn’t mean you’re more hardworking if you don’t lol

It would be nice to have a break, maybe 30 minutes but I wouldn’t expect to be paid for it. Also, it depends on the job - what is it? For example if I were doing something physical I’d need a break in that time but if I was sat down most of the time and not doing anything too taxing, I’d be ok without a break

A 6 hour shift doesn't need a break. I'm pretty sure if you worked 6 hour shifts Monday - Friday, it's classed as part time.

Edit to add, if it's a manual labour job then as others have said, a 15/20 minutes would be beneficial however any office based or administrative roles it isn't necessary.

🎵workin' 10 till 4
Last to start
And first out the door🎵
Doesn't quote have the same naunce does it?..

Yes I do. The law disagrees, but is pretty draconian imo. Six hours without a break is pretty hard going especially if you're on your feet or your work is physical. It's no wonder so many people can't work due to their health, especially as they get older, with employment laws like this.

Those saying you don't need a break working 10-4... how would you eat your lunch? I couldn't not eat lunch, I'd feel lightheaded and sick.

You think current employment laws are the reason people can’t work due to their health as they get older?
The current employment laws that protect employees a hell of a lot more than they would have been in the past?

Yes this! Surely you need lunch during that time.

Yes, you’d have to in my team. Half hour min

I'm in Ireland and generally you have to get at least 15 mins break after 4.5 hours and 30 if working over 6 hours

I work 10-3 on Fridays but I do get a break, I organised it with my employer (but of course only get paid for the hours I’m working). I think workplaces can juggle flex hours at their own discretion.

I get what you are saying and agree. There seems to be a weird martyr mindset on here at times.

Any good employer should know that flexibility with an employee will get the best results and a good well supported employee normally works hard for an employer they respect.

It's a sad thought that employees would be infantilised to the extent they are told when to go to the toilet or take a drink.

Teachers get breaks…they do between 5-6 hours. Why is it different for everyone else?

It's massively tight not to give a break in that shift, ffs. It was 4hrs when I last worked retail.

I find it really annoying having breaks. We have an unpaid 15 minute mid morning break and an unpaid 30 minute lunch break. By the time I factor in getting there a bit early and leaving a little late, it means for my 6 hour paid shift, I’m there 7 and a quarter hours.

I’d rather just work, get paid then go home.

Most people who do shift work don’t operate on schedules that suit other jobs.
6 hours is like having breakfast at 7 and not eating until lunch at 1 which is perfectly normal.
Eat your breakfast and have a snack before work, followed by your lunch. It’s not rocket science. Lunch isn’t a set time.

Fuck me. You think teachers work a 5 hour day?

There's always one

At my previous job, did have workers that do 10-4 on Sundays. Yet heard of people who work for clothes shops and don't get a break. My friend's DD was not allowed to use the toilet when she worked for Arcadia group (she worked in a store with Wallis, Dotty Ps, Evans and Burton brands) on Sundays. Joke

Eat your breakfast and have a snack before work, followed by your lunch. It’s not rocket science. Lunch isn’t a set time.

Well yes, eating breakfast is fine and makes sense. But are you suggesting if someone works 10-4 they should eat lunch before 10am?! I know lunch isn't a set time 🙄, I'm simply saying that my usual lunchtime when I am hungry is between 12-1 ish - I'd struggle not to eat between 10-4. I'd feel unwell.

The kids look after themselves on their break do they?

My employer gives the option of a 6 hr shift all in one go with no break, or to take a half hour unpaid break and stay half an hour later.
But 10-4 doesn't really work very well if there's no opportunity to eat as you work as it's across a meal time.

It’s an awkward shift. I work 12 hours with a 20 min break in the middle, but it falls at 1:30 so it’s ok. Occasionally I will work part of the day and I wouldn’t take a break if it was only 6 hours but 10-4 I would have to be organised enough to have a cracking breakfast to see me through. Generally I’d rather work 6 hours without a break than 5.5 plus break.

@RyTrerry
Exactly- that's my point. It's across the entire lunchtime window. It's a shit shift to work if you're not able to eat on the go or take a break for lunch.