Working time and rest | Acas

Workers need rest. It helps them to work safely and get things done. Employers must allow a minimum amount of rest by law (Working Time Regulations 1998).

Employers should avoid lay-offs and short-time working. But these options can be used to avoid redundancies. Some workers have rights to pay during lay-offs and short-time working.

Advice

Working time rules

What the Working Time Regulations say. Maximum weekly hours. Being on call. Night work.

Rest and breaks at work

How the Working Time Regulations give workers the right to rest. Lunch breaks. Rest between shifts.

Lay-offs and short-time working

How employers might temporarily reduce a worker's hours. Other options. Statutory guarantee pay.

Template

48-hour opt-out agreement template

Recording a worker's agreement to work more than an average of 48 hours a week.