Working Time Regulations

From October 1st 1998, important new Regulations came into force affecting most people working in the UK as well as companies and temporary work firms. The details of the new regulations and how they may affect you are available below:-
  
Working hours

The Regulations say that on average you should not be required to work more than 48 hours each week, unless you agree to do so in writing. Temporary or contract work is all about flexibility, and from time to time companies may want you to work for longer hours. For this reason we may ask you to work for more than 48 hours a week on average, though of course you are under no obligation to do so. You should note that the maximum 48 hour week is an average number of hours. That average is worked out over a 17 week period (longer in some sectors). In other words, even if you have not agreed in writing to work more than 48 hours per week there may be some weeks when you do work longer than 48 hours. This is permitted provided that the average hours over a 17 week period does not exceed 48. It is also important to remember if you have been working for us for less than 17 weeks, the hours you work are averaged over the actual number of weeks you have been working.
   
Daily rest

You are entitled to 11 hours rest from work in each 24 hours. If you are under the age of 18 you are entitled to 12 hours rest from work.
   
Rest breaks

The company to which you are assigned should allow you a break from work of 20 minutes if your assignment lasts for more than 6 hours a day. If it is practicable, you may take this away from your work station. Make arrangements with the client about rest/lunch breaks. If you are under 18 you are entitled to a rest break of 30 minutes if your assignment lasts more than 6 hours a day.
   
Night work

If you are asked to work at night (between 11pm and 6am) you should not work more than 8 hours in every 24, averaged over 17 weeks (or however many weeks you have worked if it is less than 17 weeks). In some cases where the work is hazardous or strenuous, 8 hours night work in 24 is the absolute maximum you should work. It is vital that, if the client asks you to perform night work, you let us know so that we can comply with the law.
   
Weekly rest

You are entitled to a minimum of 1 days rest from work each week or 2 days every 2 weeks. If you are under 18 you are entitled to 2 days rest from work each week.
   
Paid annual leave

You are entitled to a minimum of 24 days pro rata paid annual leave pursuant to the Working Time Regulations.
   
Health and safety

If you feel the company you are working for contravenes Health and Safety regulations, please inform Aberion and we will investigate on your behalf.
   
For full information on The Working Time Directive you can visit the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) web site at: www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/working-time-regs/index.html or you can obtain a leaflet by calling 020 7215 5000.