Feminism: chat
Is this allowed (toilet breaks)
Chloegold · 22/04/2022 21:24
Evening, I work a 8hr shift in a call centre, we have been told today that we are only allowed to go to the toilet in our 20 min break. Surely they can't stop us going ? (especially females, what about tom)
MolkosTeenageAngst · 22/04/2022 21:29
I don’t see how they can enforce this, presumably that means there are almost 4 hours either side of the break? On my period there are days I would need to go more frequently than that to avoid leaks. Sometimes I don’t think I would be able to wait 4 hours for a wee either, if you’re desperate surely you’re not going to be able to concentrate on the job! And what about people with ibs etc? It feels like it would be difficult to enforce and ethically wrong, although no idea on the legal side.
TopSecret99 · 22/04/2022 21:35
No that is absolutely not ok! You are not at school! I don't think they can enforce that at all and would speak to you HR department and find out what the hell is going on!
When I worked in a call centre many moons ago we were allowed 8 mins of "personal break" in a shift- if you went over it was no biggie unless you weren't using it for the toilet!
MolkosTeenageAngst · 22/04/2022 21:50
Wouldn’t have the balls to do it myself in a work setting but if I needed the toilet at 10 and was told to wait until 1pm it would be so tempting to just let loose and pee on the chair! Obviously a million reasons why in real life isn’t really an option but I do like the route of malicious compliance to these sort of awful workplace rules. But genuinely what are they expecting people to do if they can’t wait? It’s going to be far more time consuming and disruptive to have a period leak on the chair or wet oneself and then need to change and clear it up then than to pop to the loo outside of the allocated time! Might be tempted to at least arrange with some of the other staff to stage some accidents with water bottles to highlight the ridiculousness of the policy!
MrOllivander · 22/04/2022 21:52
That's ridiculous
I do 9hrs in one but WFH. Get 2 x15 min breaks and a 25 min lunch
Plus can use personal for making a drink or going to the toilet (it's sort of monitored but only an issue if you were constantly using say 15 mins every day)
Some days I use 3 mins personal just to make a brew, some days none
Itsbackagain · 22/04/2022 21:52
You'd be surprised this isn't illegal....www.peninsulagrouplimited.com/topic/working-time/breaks-at-work/toilet/
FrankLeeSpeaking · 22/04/2022 21:56
You're only legally entitled to 20 minutes per 6 hours, I believe.
It's shit, but plenty of places give just that.
I don't think it's illegal to restrict other breaks, OP, from a quick google. However, it is shitty behaviour, and probably a shitty company so I would look for a new job ASAP.
Ionlydomassiveones · 22/04/2022 22:16
This reply has been withdrawn
This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.
mrsfollowill · 22/04/2022 22:23
Bloody shocking management- I'd just go when you need to - I'm a supervisor in this environment (it is Local Government but we run a call centre type phone service) Staff go when they need to- so long as you are not going every 20 mins then it should not be a problem.
Ccharlotte · 22/04/2022 22:26
I wouldn't be able to work there anyway! They do have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. And not to discriminate. Restricting toilet breaks could be in breach of that.
You shouldn't have to but a letter giving a reason, eg advised by GP not to hold it as you get UTI's etc might get you a pass.
Or look for a job where you are treated as a person 🙄
Neverreturntoathread · 22/04/2022 22:31
Go when you need to and if they complain tell them that they’re breaching health and safety legislation and probably also sex discrimination laws as well.
wurkplace.co.uk/restrictions-on-toilet-breaks-at-work/
OnceAgainWithFeeling · 22/04/2022 22:35
FrankLeeSpeaking · 22/04/2022 21:56
You're only legally entitled to 20 minutes per 6 hours, I believe.
It's shit, but plenty of places give just that.
I don't think it's illegal to restrict other breaks, OP, from a quick google. However, it is shitty behaviour, and probably a shitty company so I would look for a new job ASAP.
Wrong. It’s 20 mins if you work more than 6 hours. Work 12 and it’s still only 20 mins.
mrsfollowill · 22/04/2022 22:58
I'm really angry about this- it is treating human beings as robots. We generally treat people as human in my department- we know our staff personally and have great staff retention- I'd say 85/90% have worked for us 20 yrs+ - and that's the 'young ones' who started at 16/17/18 as apprentices- most of the managers/supervisors have 30 yrs+ service. Although I shudder when my manager talks about the staff as 'resource' - ie- Mrs Followill how are we for resource next week? Do you mean how many staff are off on leave or sick? 
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