Working Time Directive
The Working Time Directive (WTD), also known as the EU Working Time Regulations 1998, is a statutory instrument that implements the European Union’s Working Time Directive (93/104/EC) in the United Kingdom. The directive aims to protect workers’ health and safety by setting minimum standards for working hours, rest periods, annual leave, and night work.
A complete definition of the WTD would include the following key aspects:
- Maximum 48-hour week: The WTD stipulates that most employees are entitled to a maximum 48-hour working week, averaged over a reference period (usually 17 weeks). This can be exceeded in exceptional circumstances, but only with the employee’s consent.
- Daily rest periods: Employees must have at least 11 hours’ uninterrupted rest each day and 24 hours’ uninterrupted rest each week.
- Weekly rest breaks: Workers are entitled to a 20-minute break if they work for more than six hours in a single day.
- Annual leave: The WTD requires employers to provide employees with paid annual leave of at least 28 days per year, which increases to 5.6 weeks (30 days) by 2020.
- Night work: Employees who work night shifts are entitled to extra pay and rest periods.
- Young workers’ protection: The WTD sets specific rules for young workers under the age of 18, including restrictions on working hours and night work.
The WTD applies to most employees in the UK, but there are some exemptions, such as:
- Self-employed individuals
- Members of the armed forces
- Police officers
- Certain public sector workers (e.g., doctors, nurses)
Employers who fail to comply with the WTD may face penalties and fines.
AceRota’s automated scheduling feature ensures that employees are not working excessive hours, thereby adhering to the Working Time Directive’s requirement for a maximum 48-hour week and at least one day of rest per week.
