Tea Breaks Axed

[AlllWorkandNoPlay]

Hi I work in the NHS in a lab. I have been in the same job for 20+ years.

In all that time we always have had paid tea breaks.

A new manager has started and now says all breaks are to be unpaid!

Can they do this?
Other parts of dept are still getting paid breaks btw.

Thanks in Advance!

Oh dear. Is this what the NHS is lowering itself to now?
I don't think he can do that to be honest, especially if other departments aren't. Speak to HR.
I think the NHS thinks that it has a workforce of ROBOTS!

NHS workers are AMAZING! They deserve a TEA break!
Does your manager have a coffee in his room?

Don't you have to have so many paid breaks by law if you work over a certain number of hours? I'm sure someone more knowledgable will be along soon....

Ugh! What a complete wanker!

Have a word with HR, and take it up with your Union. I'd be surprised if there isn't a written policy that defines what breaks are paid and unpaid. My guess is that he's swept in from an organisation where he was a big cheese, and he's yet to learn that his remit doesn't exceed organisational policies.

By law you are entitled to a break after 6 hours working, unpaid.

However given that it is the NHS there should have been consultation with the unions, you should get in touch with them if you are a member.

Unless she's v au fait with unions, she will probably back down when you speak to them. They're very powerful, esp amongst the NHS. Quite terrifying in fact!

Unions aren't terrifying. They're sticking up for those who have less power i.e. the employee
I would make noises to them.

Agenda for change states a 20 minute unpaid break for every 6 hours worked. Technically that is your lunch so you aren't entitled to other breaks. I work in the lab too and as we do not have access to water for hydration we are allowed a 5 minute comfort break for a sip of water...

I feel your pain :( you don't do those 11 and a half hour lone person night shifts where you are only entitled to 20 minute break and just as you sit down the phone goes with an 'emergency'??

Agenda for change does state that managers are allowed to offer breaks 'at their discretion'. Some are just arses...

The law only says you need a break of 20 mins if you work more than a 6 hours shift but they don't have to be paid.

So you could look at it that you've had way more than you're entitled to for 20 years!

However, if it's been accepted practice for 20 years, then even if it's not written in your contract it does constitute a change of terms and conditions, so ask the union what they think.