Is this allowed? (toilet breaks)

[Chloegold]

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)

I don't think there are any toilet laws as such, but there are health & safety standards that employers need to meet. As a result, I'd say no, they shouldn't be able to restrict you from going to the toilet, as it breaches your health.

I'd speak up about it. Either that, or find another job. I certainly wouldn't want to work for a company who would impose that kind of restriction.

Oh grim.

Are you in a union?

You need another job.

Any company that does that is disgraceful.

That’s awful
I’ve managed a contact centre in the past
staff got hour lunch and 2x15 min breaks for getting away from screen and absolutely no limits or direction on toilet breaks!!! You a human being not a battery hen!!! It’s wrong

do they have a HR team? Ask your boss to stipulate where in you contract or breaks policy this is and find a new job

Find another job. This will be part of their whole ethos abs who wants to work for a company like that?

Quick google states the law is unclear on this but as above, it could jeopardise employee health so isn't advised to be restricted.

I'd wear a skirt and piss on the floor.

That'll teach them.

Seriously, they can't do that surely?

No idea on the legalities of this but there are jobs where it happens. Don’t know how often bus drivers get to leave the bus and go?? I’m a teacher, I sometimes have 4 hours where it is near enough impossible to go really, unless I leave a class unattended. Nurses, midwives etc are often run off their feet and don’t get a chance to go (or so I’ve heard).

that said, in a call centre it seems entirely unnecessary, very controlling and frankly weird.

M&S tried to implement this when I worked in the food bit. I said hell no even in prison you are allowed to piss!! And just went anyway.

If it's not illegal it bloody should be! I can't go 4 hours without a wee. I'd only be able to manage if I didn't drink anything all day and that's not healthy!

What kind of setting do you work in? I've worked in both primary and secondary, classes don't go on that long between breaks/lunches typically do they?

That's so bad.
Seek advice legally.

Are you sure they weren't referring to the 20 mins personal time in addition to your normal two 15 mins breaks and 30 min lunch?

Primary. The kids have a break mid morning but if you’re on break duty you are supposed to escort your class to the playground then you’re out with them, then back up for the next lesson. If no TA then I could go 8.30-12.30 with no one else to supervise them. During covid most teachers were on duty most days so this happened all the time. Now thankfully it’s once a week and hopefully I have a TA at some point so can pop out if needed.