Being forbidden to leave premises during unpaid lunch break

[messybedhead]

A friend of mine has told me that his workplace has made this new rule today.

He doesn't get paid for his break, and they have a clocking in system so its not as if there could be a problem of not knowing how long people are taking for their breaks.

I was just wondering if this was allowed?

Thanks

That sounds outrageous. Did they give a reason?

In any shift six hours or more they have to give you 20 minutes, during which you have the legal right to leave the premises. In theory they could ask you to be there for longer, although if it was to be available for work, it might making it working time (which could have implications if he is on minimum wage).

Other than that, it may be a change to terms and conditions if it was previously allowed.

Does he have a union or workplace rep? How do others feel about this? They may want to raise a joint grievance.

They didn't give a reason they are making more and more ridiculous rules, he thinks they are trying to get rid of people.

He works 8 hour shifts and gets an unpaid break - I'm not sure if it's 20 or 30 minutes.

Apparently if he rings ACAS they will tell you that it is his time to do whatever he wants.

Thanks for your advice I just wanted to check that this is as bad as it sounds.

They also said to him that if they want anything to eat during their break, as there is no canteen or anything, that they can ring the lady from the mobile burger van round the corner who will deliver them a lovely greasy burger- charming!

surely they can't do this, but will most likely give it a good go.

if it is un-paid i would expect to go wherever i wanted during that hour,even for a walk,bit of fresh air whatever.

not like it's for fire safety regs. as they have a clocking system.

the mind bogles talk about restricing

I know they are really coming down hard.

When he joined he signed his contracting which allowed him all bank holidays and paid (not much) more than minimum wage. When he told them he was off on Easter Monday they said... erm, ok we will allow that! But they weren't happy about it.

They then made all new staff sign contracts for minimum wage and no bank holidays.

This silly thing to do with breaks is another way of pushing people out I guess.