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Working Time Regulations

The Working Time Regulations 1998 impose limits on workers' hours of work. Workers cannot lawfully be required to work more than an average of 48 hours a week.

However, a worker may agree to opt out of this weekly working time limit and work more than an average of 48 hours a week as long as he or she does so voluntarily and in writing.

The Working Time Regulations 1998 also give workers the right to a minimum daily rest period between each working day or shift, and to a minimum weekly rest period.


    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    Covert operation to fight unemployment

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    I agree that the government should defend the Working Time Directive opt-out. Unfortunately, I believe the government will back the EU's decision to end it

    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    Productivity suffers in long-hours culture

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    I wonder if there is a correlation between our long working-hours culture and our lowly position on the World Competitiveness Scoreboard? (Personnel Today, 17 May)

    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    All could benefit by complying with EU

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    Once again, I was dismayed to read that so many of our country's business leaders are against coming into line with the European Union's maximum 48-hour working week (Personnel Today, 3 May)

    • Employment law
    • Opinion
    • Working Time Regulations

    Opt out of taking liberties

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    Employer abuse of the opt-out is the main reason why the Working Time Directive, despite all its faults, is necessary

    • Employment law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Retirement

    Ministerial moves put Johnson and Blunkett in HR driving seat

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    In his first interview on employment matters since Tony Blair announced the new shape of his government, new trade and industry secretary Alan Johnson speaks exclusively to Personnel Today. We also hear new work and pensions secretary David Blunkett's views on retirement

    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    Employer groups bristle as HR backs cut in work time

    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 24 May 2005

    An individual's right to work when they want for as long as they'd like becomes a matter of social concern - and often law - when it has an impact on the health and well-being of the individual and others. Just like the restrictions on workers 'choosing' to work with blue asbestos

    • Employment law
    • Latest News
    • Working Time Regulations

    Government must defend UK’s working time opt-out

    by Michael Millar 17 May 2005
    by Michael Millar 17 May 2005

    The government’s first key test of its business credentials will be the vigour with which it opposes the EU Working...

    • Employment law
    • Working Time Regulations

    Turn back time: HR will be key when the working time opt-out is scrapped

    by Michael Millar 17 May 2005
    by Michael Millar 17 May 2005

    The European Parliament has voted against the UK’s opt-out to the Working Time Directive (WTD) and experts predict it will be gone within three years. Now it's time for HR to shine.

    • Employment law
    • Working Time Regulations

    Euro Socialists win battle against opt-out

    by Personnel Today 17 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 17 May 2005

    Amendments to the Working Time Directive now pass from the European parliament to the Council of Ministers

    • Employment law
    • Latest News
    • Working Time Regulations

    Unions test WTD for offshore workers

    by Mike Berry 16 May 2005
    by Mike Berry 16 May 2005

    Union leaders are going to court to test whether the Working Time Directive can be applied to offshore workers. Thousands...

    • Employment law
    • Latest News
    • Working Time Regulations

    Mixed reaction to WTD opt-out decision

    by Ross Bentley 12 May 2005
    by Ross Bentley 12 May 2005

    Employer representatives want to keep the opt-out, but unions say workers should be protected from having to work excessive hours

    • Employment law
    • Latest News
    • Working Time Regulations

    European Parliament votes toscrap WTD opt-out

    by Personnel Today 11 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 11 May 2005

    The European Parliament has voted to scrap the opt-out clause for Europe's Working Time Directive

    • Employment law
    • Latest News
    • Working Time Regulations

    MEPs to vote on Working Time Directive opt-out

    by Michael Millar 10 May 2005
    by Michael Millar 10 May 2005

    The European Parliament will take a crucial vote this week on whether or not the UK should retain its opt-out to the European Working Time Directive.

    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    A final decision on WTD yet to be made

    by Personnel Today 10 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 10 May 2005

    Your news story and editorial comment on the Working Time Directive (WTD) present a fait accompli with regard to the...

    • Employment law
    • Letters
    • Working Time Regulations

    HR must not throw in towel over working time opt-out

    by Personnel Today 10 May 2005
    by Personnel Today 10 May 2005

    I am writing in response to your front page story ‘UK opt-out on scrap-heap as the EU votes to reform...

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Personnel Today
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