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Original poster

rest breaks...anyone help me pls

15 replies

crispyduck · 18/08/2008 20:13

I work 9 till 5.30...can anyone tell me what my rights are on rest periods during my working day...my employer refuses me to have lunch breaks...thx

OP posts:
Original poster
crispyduck · 18/08/2008 20:20

pls anyone?

OP posts:
Eddas · 18/08/2008 20:22

I do those hours and get an hours lunchbreak. not sure of the offical rules though

flowerybeanbag · 18/08/2008 20:29

crispy have a read here about rest breaks, you should be entitled to one 20 minute rest break during your day. Presumably other people also work those hours, does no one get a break at all?

Original poster
crispyduck · 18/08/2008 20:33

thx....we get enough time to eat sandwich but thats all..then its back to work...another collegue has raised this issue today with her and she basically didnt listen as if she couldnt care less

OP posts:
callmeovercautious · 18/08/2008 20:38

DO you get paid the whole time or do they deduct some for lunch and then just not let you take the time?

I agree with flowery on the 20mins thing. Part of the working time directive I believe.

Original poster
crispyduck · 18/08/2008 20:49

get paid an hourly rate for the day CMOC

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 18/08/2008 21:04

It is the Working Time Directive, yes. You don't have to be paid for your break but you must be allowed to take it.

Do you have a union, a health and safety rep or any other kind of representative? Is it just your manager, or is it a general thing across the company?

callmeovercautious · 18/08/2008 21:17

Well at least they are not deducting money as well

You definately need to do something. Is it a big company?

< quick hijack - Flowery - you have mail >

Original poster
crispyduck · 18/08/2008 21:20

small busines..one owner with 4 employees...sry there is no union

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 18/08/2008 21:29

Best bet might well be to meet with the owner all together and deal with this. If you all go in there and atrongly state that you must be given the appropriate rest breaks, and give details of the appropriate legislation, you might find that gets you somewhere.

[http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/working-time-regs/index.html Here's a bit more of a detailed link which might help you.]]

flowerybeanbag · 18/08/2008 21:29

Sorry

Original poster
crispyduck · 18/08/2008 21:31

thx flower

OP posts:
katiepotatie · 18/08/2008 21:36

Think you must have 20 mins for every four hours worked??

callmeovercautious · 18/08/2008 21:36

Well I suspect they don't know the legislation then. Or are choosing to ignore it. You have limited choices in reality. I suggest you book a meeting and discuss it rationally. Can you get the others to back you up?

I suggest you pitch it as "if you let us have a short break we would be more productive". Personally I rarely take all of my breaks, because I know they are there if I need them (like when I was PG).

Obviously you have rights in legislation to breaks but shoving that in his/her face may not be the best course of action for a first attempt. If they are ignoring this they may well ignore all of your employment rights and just sack you/anyone else that complains.

You would then have a case but that is another thread

flowerybeanbag · 19/08/2008 09:23

Is this a first attempt though? I was taking it from the OP that it wasn't.

If it is, do what callme says, but I think being ready to mention that it is a legal requirement is still a good idea should you be refused.

katiepotatie it's 20 mins for a 6 hour period.

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