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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Reasonable breaks?

15 replies

Topsy34 · 24/07/2015 21:56

What is considered reasonable breaks at work?

I work 8-5.30 with a 30 minute break, i work in a shop so on my feet all day.

Obviously i need to talk about this with my employer, its a bit awkward as the owner is maternity leave and the person who has taken over is not understanding or basically good with people.....

All the websites I'm looking at say employers need to offer reasonable breaks, but doesn't say what's reasonable, there isn't really anywhere i can rest with my feet up, unless i sit in the car.

I'm 23+4, aiming to work til end September, but if I can't find a happy medium for me and work, i will have to leave earlier which i don't really want to do

OP posts:
bittapitta · 24/07/2015 22:00

Legally you are meant to be allowed a break every 4 hours, all employees are.

Original poster
Topsy34 · 24/07/2015 22:04

Yes, i think its 20 mins if you work over 6 hours, or some websites say 15 mins per 4.5 hours. This is what i get, but in pregnancy, gov.uk and a few others say pregnant women should be given reasonable (or adequate) breaks.

But i cant find what that is

OP posts:
sizethree · 24/07/2015 22:24

Gosh, that's not very much of a break at all for a 9.5 hour shift!
I used to work at The Body Shop and do 8-4.30 shifts. I got a full lunch hour and a half hour break in the afternoon.
Here's the link to the government website stating the employee rights to breaks:
www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work/overview

crazypuglady · 24/07/2015 22:29

I get about the same, it's not pleasant at all. If you get your boss to let you have more breaks let me know how you did it!

Original poster
Topsy34 · 24/07/2015 22:46

It seems 30 mins is the legal requirement, and no other info on breaks in pregnancy is about. I am guessing its discretion??

We are a really small team, so i think they want me to stay as long as possible, its a little independent so cant draft people in to cover.

OP posts:
Original poster
Topsy34 · 24/07/2015 22:47

Another thing to add, its paid lunch break and we have lunch free, doesn't compensate but its not all bad!

OP posts:
Unthoughtknown · 24/07/2015 22:52

Reasonable is an annoying term, have a think about what would make you more comfortable and discuss with your manager, maybe a couple of ten minute breaks extra would help .

Original poster
Topsy34 · 24/07/2015 23:04

It just mean anything does it?! So annoying.

I wont see her til wednesday next week, so i think i will suggest that i take 10-15 minutes around mid morning, then my normal lunch break (normally around 2pm) and then if required another 10 mins later in the day.

Its so difficult as i just have to do so much, i manage the shop floor and dont have much more than a few hours of help a week, so if i dont do it, it doesnt get done......

OP posts:
Rosenwyn1985 · 25/07/2015 14:44

I think the way to tackle it would be to subtly point out that it's in their best interest to assist you. I work in retail and have to confess my line manager was great but that's not always the case. If you don't get the breaks you need you'll get ill and have time off. In a small business like that it's even more important that they support you, so that you can be up to your best working standard for them. You can always go sick if you really need to...

MummyBex1985 · 25/07/2015 14:58

The legal requirement for all employees is a 20 minute break for every shift which lasts over six hours (one break regardless of shift length).

Reasonableness in terms of pregnancy is rather more subjective. Basically I would say that if you need a break, ask for a break, as if you genuinely need it then it would be unreasonable for them to refuse!

Emmalbae · 25/07/2015 14:59

I work 8-5 I get 10 minutes at 10:30. 30 minutes at 1pm and 5 minutes at 3:30.
45 minutes in total. I work in a factory

Gillian1980 · 25/07/2015 16:19

Also, it would be a reasonable adjustment for them to provide you with a chair in the shop if you don't usually have one. The heavier you get, the more strain you'll be putting on your feet, legs, pelvis etc etc. it would be quite unreasonable to deny you a chair.

Lj8893 · 25/07/2015 16:24

When I was pregnant I worked in a shop (a very busy one) and I worked all day. I had an unpaid lunch hour and 2 x 15 min breaks (paid). That was standard for all staff though.

I was given a stool that I could perch on behind the till when I needed to, which really helped take the pressure of my poor feet and legs.

Legally your employer has to do a risk assessment with you so that's when you can put forward needing more breaks and a seat etc.

Original poster
Topsy34 · 25/07/2015 18:38

Dont get me started on the risk assessment, still waiting for that to be done....told them i was pg at 6 weeks...

I have a fold up bar stool which I'm going to take in

OP posts:
mrsfazruns · 25/07/2015 19:53

You guys get better than me lol .... I work 12.5 hour shifts as a nurse in A&E and only get an hour for the whole day!!!

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