Are lunch breaks compulsory?

[Xabirak]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone had a legal background to help me with this...

I work normally 35 hours per week, 7 per day maximum.

I normally take my lunch break at my desk, and leave 20 minutes earlier. Beem doing it for 2 months with no issues, then I have been told I HAVE TO. Health and safety, which I understand, but I do take regular breaks during the day, get away from the screen every 2 hours... etc.

I checked online and there is a lot of information on how you are entitled, but nothing about if it's totally compulsory.

Anyone knows?
Thanks a lot!

You need a 20 minute break minimum after 6 hours work. Your work could be in trouble if you don't comply and then you turned it around on them.

I know a lot of people who work through their lunch. I've never heard of this before.

Is it actually the leaving 20 mins earlier that they don't like? I know lots of people who eat lunch at their desk but still leave at the normal time.

It has been legal for many years. Yes, you have to take a 20 minute break after 6 hours work, no it cannot be at the start or end of a shift.

In reality, many people don't take it and take it at the start or end. It is usually enforced because some jobsworth doesn't like you going early or coming in later. Usually the fuss dies down and you go back to the norm.

The employer cannot physically 'drag' you away from your desk - but by letting you leave earlier they are condoning the non taking of breaks - which they cannot really do.

Most decent employers would encourage breaks anyway - people are generally more productive in the afternoon.

Thanks for the replies.
I work in a temporary role, by agency. They book me some hours, and I decided to work the lunch back or loose the money, as is not paid.
I don't mind loosing the 20 minutes salary, but ir pisses me off to have to stay 20 minutes when I will have a sandwich on my desk anyway and go for a 20 minute walk...