Introduction
Are you confused about your working hours and want to know your rights? This guide will help you understand the legal limits on working hours in the UK and what to do if you feel you’re working too much. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you navigate your legal concerns. Discover how to protect your rights and ensure you’re not exceeding the 48-hour work limit.
If you’re working and feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to know the legal limits on working hours in the UK. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand how many hours you should be working and what to do if you think you’re exceeding the legal limits.
What’s the 48-Hour Limit?
The law states that you shouldn’t have to work more than an average of 48 hours a week. This rule applies regardless of what your employment contract says. If you feel like you’re regularly working more than this limit, or if your employer is asking you to, it’s time to take action.
There are some exceptions to this rule. Certain jobs, like those in the armed forces, emergency services, or specific transport roles, don’t fall under this limit. If you’re unsure whether the 48-hour rule applies to you, consider reaching out to your union or a specialist employment adviser at Acas.
How to Check Your Working Hours
To find out if you’re working too many hours, follow these simple steps:
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Confirm the 48-Hour Limit Applies to You: Check if your job is one of the exceptions mentioned earlier.
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Identify What Counts as Working Time: Make sure to include all the time you spend doing work-related tasks, such as:
- Time spent traveling for work (if you’re a sales rep or care worker, for example).
- Time spent on job-related training, as long as your employer has approved it.
- Overtime hours that you’ve agreed to work.
However, you should exclude:
- Breaks where you aren’t working, including lunch breaks unless you’re working through them.
- Time off for holidays, sick leave, or parental leave.
- Calculate Your Average Weekly Hours: If you work the same hours each week, add up your hours and include any overtime. If your hours vary, total your hours over the last 17 weeks and divide by 17 to find your average.
For example, if you worked 40 hours a week plus 12 hours of overtime for 10 weeks, your total would be:
- 17 weeks x 40 hours = 680 hours
- 10 weeks x 12 hours (overtime) = 120 hours
- Total = 800 hours over 17 weeks
- Average = 800 hours ÷ 17 weeks = approximately 47.1 hours per week
This means you’re under the 48-hour limit.
What If You’re Working More Than 48 Hours?
If you find that you’re working more than the legal limit, it’s important to address this with your employer. You could start by having a conversation about your hours. If that doesn’t help, you might consider filing a grievance.
In some cases, if you’re forced to work beyond the limit, you might have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim. This is a serious step and can be difficult to prove, so it’s wise to consult with Contend’s legal expert chat before taking action.
Need More Help?
If you’re unsure about your working hours or if you think your employer is violating the rules, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can check if you’re receiving the national minimum wage or speak to Contend’s legal experts for guidance.
Remember, you have rights when it comes to your working hours, and it’s important to stand up for them. For more information, you can visit the GOV.UK website to report any issues or learn more about your rights at work.
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