Working Time Regulations

The Regulations, introduced in Autumn 1998, made 48 hours the weekly limit unless employees agreed otherwise.  Two years later, a survey by CIPD has found that only 2% of workers have reduced their hours to 48 or less as a direct result of the Regulations.  Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics show that one in five people still work more than 48 hours.

Also provided in the Regulations is the right to 4 weeks paid annual leave, but only after 13 weeks continuous employment.  This qualifying period has recently been referred to the European Courts, whose opinion is that the right to paid annual leave begins from the start of employment.  Although not binding, this opinion may lead to the amendment of the Working Time Regulations and, if so, to a serious implication for those who employ people on short-term contracts.  We will keep you informed.

For more details of the Regulations and how to legally opt out of the 48 hour limit, contact us on 0845 130 7979 or e-mail us