Taking rest breaks at work

Summary

A compensatory rest break means that you can take the break at a later time. It should be taken within a reasonable time from when you missed the break and should last as long as a specific rest break would have lasted. You might be entitled to compensatory rest breaks if: * you work in a job where there has to be cover at all times, like a hospital Read more about who’s entitled to compensatory rest breaks at GOV.UK. If you’re aged 18 or over, you’re entitled to: * 11 hours rest between each working day * 1 rest day in each working week - this could be averaged out over 2 weeks, so you'd be entitled to 2 days off in a fortnight If you work for more than 6 hours a day, you’re entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes - for example a tea or lunch break. You must be allowed to take it during the day rather than at the beginning or end. Your contract might say you’re entitled to more than these rest breaks, for example you might get an hour for a lunch break. If you’re over school leaving age but under 18, you can’t usually work for more than 8 hours each day or 40 hours each week. You’re usually entitled to: * 12 hours rest between each working day If you work.

Key information

• you work in a job where there has to be cover at all times, like a hospital
• 11 hours rest between each working day
• 1 rest day in each working week - this could be averaged out over 2 weeks, so you'd be entitled to 2 days off in a fortnight
• 12 hours rest between each working day
• 10pm and 6am - if your contract says you have to work after 10pm, you must finish by 11pm and not start again until 7am
• A compensatory rest break means that you can take the break at a later time. It should be taken within a reasonable time from when you missed the break and should last as long as a specific rest break would have lasted.
• you work in a job where there has to be cover at all times, like a hospital
• Read more about who’s entitled to compensatory rest breaks at GOV.UK.
• 1 rest day in each working week - this could be averaged out over 2 weeks, so you'd be entitled to 2 days off in a fortnight
• If you work for more than 6 hours a day, you’re entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes - for example a tea or lunch break. You must be allowed to take it during the day rather than at the beginning or end.
• Your contract might say you’re entitled to more than these rest breaks, for example you might get an hour for a lunch break.
• If you’re over school leaving age but under 18, you can’t usually work for more than 8 hours each day or 40 hours each week. You’re usually entitled to:

Practical guidance

• Source: Taking rest breaks at work

Related topics