Working Hours & Rest Breaks — UK Guidance

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for your wellbeing. UK law protects workers by setting clear limits on working hours and guaranteeing rest periods during shifts and between working days.

The 48-Hour Weekly Limit

Under the Working Time Regulations, you cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week. This average is usually calculated across a 17-week reference period.

You can choose to work longer hours by voluntarily signing an opt-out agreement. You have the right to cancel an opt-out agreement at any time by giving your employer notice (usually 7 days, or up to 3 months if specified in your agreement). Your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you unfavourably for refusing to sign or cancelling an opt-out.

Rest Breaks at Work

During your working days, you are legally entitled to three main types of rest breaks:

Rest break during a shift: If your working day lasts more than 6 hours, you have the right to one uninterrupted 20-minute rest break. This break should be taken during your shift rather than at the beginning or end, and can be used for lunch or rest.
Daily rest: You are entitled to 11 hours of continuous rest between working days (for example, 11 hours of rest between finishing work one evening and starting the next morning).
Weekly rest: You must receive at least 24 uninterrupted hours of rest every 7 days, or 48 uninterrupted hours every 14 days.

Night Working Rules

If you regularly work at least 3 hours during the night period (between 11 pm and 6 am), you are classified as a night worker.

Night workers must not work more than an average of 8 hours in a 24-hour period. Employers must also offer night workers a free health assessment before they start night duties and at regular intervals afterwards.

Rights for Young Workers (Under 18)

Young workers aged 16 or 17 have stronger legal protections:

Maximum working time of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week
A 30-minute rest break if working longer than 4.5 hours
12 hours of continuous rest between working days
48 hours of continuous rest each week

To learn more about working time limits or address concerns about rest breaks, visit GOV.UK's maximum weekly working hours page or get independent support from Citizens Advice working hours and breaks guide.