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retailworld
19-06-2007, 23:25
One of the questions I get asked quite frequently is:

"How long should I give employee's for breaks?"

The DTI web site is quite brief, but does include the main points:

1) If a worker is required to work for more than six hours at a stretch, he or she is entitled to a rest break of 20 minutes.

2) The break should be taken during the six-hour period and not at the beginning or end of it. The exact time the breaks are taken is up to the employer to decide.

3) Employers must make sure that workers can take their rest.

The page also includes details regarding daily and weekly rest breaks, including:

A worker is entitled to a rest period of 11 uninterrupted hours between each working day.

There are exceptions (primarily in care/nursing environments), but in retail this applies.

The full detail can be found here (http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/page28979.html)

paul robinson
22-06-2007, 10:30
Yes that does have to be the most common question, but is it not at managers descretion alot of the time?

retailworld
22-06-2007, 18:30
Paul,

It is manager's discretion below 6 hours (4.5 before a break kicks in is the norm in retail), but above that you have no option - it's the law!