Working Time Regulations 1998

The Working Time Regulations came into force in October 1998. They were amended in August 2003.

The Regulations do not apply in the same way to all employees, and so care must be taken in their interpretation. However, insofar as most employees are concerned, there are basic rights and protections in relation to working time. Some of the most important of these are:

• a maximum of 48 working hours per week (unless the worker decides otherwise)
• a right to four weeks' paid annual leave
• a right to a break in any working day over six hours long
• a right to one day off per week and
• a right to 11 hours’ rest per day

Currently in the UK, workers may opt-out of the weekly working time limits mentioned above. The opt-out is, however, the subject of review and negotiation in Europe. France, Italy and Spain have proposed an amendment for the future abolition of the opt-out clause. The UK, Germany and several Eastern European countries have strenuously opposed this.

Detailed information upon the impact of the Regulations can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive’s website and also from the Department of Trade and Industry’s website.

For more information, please contact John Mitchell, head of Blake Lapthorn solicitors' Health and Safety team on 023 8085 7231 or john.mitchell@bllaw.co.uk.