Does anyone know?

carlyan2

Employees Rest breaks
Most workers have the right to take breaks, but whether or not you are paid for them depends on the terms of your employment contract. There are special rules about rest breaks fo some types of worker - especially those working in the transport industry.
Types of breaks
You will normally have a variety of different breaks from work. These can be broken down into three types:

'rest breaks' - lunch breaks, tea breaks and other short breaks during the day
'daily rest' - the break between finishing one days work and starting the next (for most people this is overnight between week days)
'weekly rest' - whole days when you don't come into work (for many people this will be the weekend)
The second and third types of break are almost never paid (unless you have to remain 'on call'). The first type is often paid but doesn't have to be unless your contract says so.

More about contracts of employment How much break time do you get?
The amount of break time you get is usually agreed with your employer. It may be written down somewhere or might just be part of your employer's standard practice.

The law sets requirements on rest breaks in two ways:

there are minimum rest breaks set down in the Working Time Regulations.
under health and safety legislation
Some people are not covered by the Working Time Regulations - mainly those working in the transport industry (see below for more).

Your employer must give you at least the rest breaks required by the Working Time Regulations but must also ensure that your health and safety is not put at risk. This means that your employer might have to give you more than the amount set out in the regulations, if this reduces a health and safety risk.

More about employers' health and safety responsibilities If you use a computer
If you use display screen equipment - computers, for example - your employer should plan your work so that you can take regular breaks from looking at the screen.

More about using computers safely Working time regulations
Minimum breaks are set out in the Working Time Regulations. These regulations apply to most workers but there are some exceptions (which are explained below).

The regulations also give you rights to paid holiday, limits on your working week, and limits on night work.

Find out if you are classed as a 'worker' More about holiday entitlements Find out more about working time limits More about working at night Rest breaks - a break during your working day
The regulations give you a right to one rest break during your working day. A lunch or coffee break can count as your rest break. Additional breaks might be given by your contract of employment. There's no statutory right to 'smoking breaks'.

If you're an adult worker (that is, over 18), you'll normally have the right to a 20 minute rest break if you're expected to work for more than six hours at a stretch.

If you're under 18 but over school leaving age (you're under school leaving age until the end of summer term of the school year in which you turn 16) you're classed as a 'young worker'. A young worker is entitled to a 30 minute rest break if they are expected to work for more that four and a half hours at a stretch.
Hope that helps
Check out your rights here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029451

Scottish Girl

20 minutes if you work 6 hours a day. If you work under 6 hours you are not intitled to any time off. So for an average working day of 8 hours you only have to be given 20 mins. Bad I know, thats what happened when we joined the EU

Rick J

Generally 30 mins is normal but check your contract

Weed

Don't know for sure, but I would have thought an hour.

blue dolphin

The minimum statutory legal entitlement in any employment is a 20-minute break within a six-hour period.
http://www.tssa.org.uk/article-170.php3?id_article=3413

Squat1

This rests entirely with State Law.

There is no Federal Law Requirments for breaks, lunch, etc.

Check your state department of labor laws.

You will get all the information you need.

lmnop

It depends on what state you are in. Here in Texas, contrary to popular opinion, you don't have to give people breaks, but most employers do as a matter of courtesy. For lunch, however, I do think 30 minutes for every eight hours worked is certainly customary, if not legally required.

Between 20 mins and 1 hour.

hmark

In NYC if you're a receptionist and clock in a full day at 8 hrs, you are technically permitted a half hour lunch plus 15 min coffee break in the morning and another 15 min break in the afternoon = 1 hr lunch time taken by most employees unless specified otherwise. This is the rule for most corporations.

Tufty Porcupine

Working time regulations stipulate a minimum of 20 minutes - although this is a bit stingy. Most peoples' contracts allow for at least 30 minutes, so check yours.

*Sparki*

It depends mainly on how many hours you work. If you work more than 7hrs you should get at least 30mins.

Also depends on your contract relating to your role and any shifts etc.

CHARISMA

well it depends on what work you are doing, if you operate machinary then you are entitled to quite a few breaks, us office workers and shop assistants etc are only entitled to 15 minutes for every four hours worked. Some companies are kind and offer extra breaks, but most don't.
I would also like to add how you think that people who work in offices are entitled to more hours than manual workers because? Sitting down all day bit more tiring than running around a shop?

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