Rest Break Requirements

Workers are entitled to a 20-minute uninterrupted break when working more than 6 hours, 11 consecutive hours rest between working days, and 24 hours uninterrupted rest per week (or 48 hours per fortnight).

Last updated: February 2025

20 min after 6 hrs

In-work break

11 consecutive hours

Daily rest

24 hours (or 48/fortnight)

Weekly rest

What the Law Says

Regulations 10-12 of the Working Time Regulations 1998 provide three types of rest: daily rest of 11 consecutive hours (Reg 10), weekly rest of 24 uninterrupted hours per 7-day period or 48 hours per 14 days (Reg 11), and an in-work rest break of 20 minutes when daily working time exceeds 6 hours (Reg 12). Young workers have enhanced protections.

Your Obligations as an Employer

  • Ensure workers can take a 20-minute break during shifts over 6 hours
  • Provide 11 hours daily rest between shifts
  • Allow 24 hours weekly rest or 48 hours fortnightly
  • Provide young workers (under 18) with 30-minute breaks after 4.5 hours

What to Include in Contracts

State entitlement to rest breaks, specify when breaks are to be taken, clarify whether breaks are paid or unpaid, and confirm that breaks are uninterrupted time away from the workstation.

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Common Mistakes

  • Scheduling shifts with less than 11 hours between them
  • Making rest breaks conditional on workload
  • Not providing a suitable space for breaks away from the workstation

FAQ

Do rest breaks have to be paid?

There is no statutory requirement to pay for rest breaks. Whether breaks are paid depends on the employment contract. Many employers choose to pay for breaks, but it is not a legal obligation unless the contract or a collective agreement provides for it.

Can an employer require workers to stay on premises during breaks?

Requiring workers to remain on premises is permissible if the break is still uninterrupted and the worker is free from work duties. However, if the worker must remain available to work during the break, it may not qualify as a genuine rest break under the WTR.

Related Topics

Working Time Regulations

Overtime Rules UK

Health and Safety Obligations

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This is guidance for UK employers, not legal advice. For complex employment law matters, consult a qualified employment solicitor or ACAS.

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