How much downtime do you get in your day?

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

It occurred to me today that it was a good job I didn’t have time for a coffee during my working day as I don’t have time for a piss I get 30 mins unpaid break and no paid breaks at all (NHS). I currently have a cushion in front of my lunch break so that I can catch up with clinics overrunning from the morning, but that’s about to go. I will get 30 mins if I can fit it in over a 8.5 hour shift.

So just out of interest, what’s ‘normal’? I know that if I get my 30 mins I have my legal entitlement, but out of pure nosiness I wonder how mean / standard that is. Also whether you have time to make drinks or go to the loo during working time.

Private sector here, project management role. I work 9-5:15 officially. Have an hours paid lunch.

Haven't ever taken one.

Regularly have to work around system down times etc, so late at night. Do around 35-40 hours in the office, not including working my lunch, a week. Then an extra 10-20 hours at home.

It pays well, better when I was on a day rate, same if your a locum etc in a clinical role.

I once worked around the clock implementing a system to monitor "staff" was working there hours, including taking proper breaks... but of a slap on the face. However I am reminded that people who get to take good breaks often earn less than a quarter than I do, so it's not exactly slave labour.

If I stopped for a few mins to drink water and pee I’d get even further behind with my appointments Oh don't be so daft. I don't believe you can't spend 2 minute having a wee. Have you at least got a bottle of water by you.

There's a few martyrs on this thread.

The martyrs need to stop and have a serious word with yourselves, you're going to burn yourselves out a cause health problems if you don't stop it.

I have never had a job where i couldnt drink at will, or have to work through lunch.

finance director now so guess i chose a lucky sector

I don't often have time to go for a wee so tend to limit my fluids. I don't usually get a lunch when I'm not with pupils this is normal in my school and tbh most schools I've worked in. I'm an SEN teacher.

Maybe you’re right about the martyring. I worry about people having to wait because they get arsey but I suppose they’re not going to be any more arsey if I’m a couple more minutes late. You wouldn’t believe the things people complain about.

Sorry you have such a stressful job.