Break entitlement at work

Workers over 18 are usually entitled to 3 types of break – rest breaks at work, daily rest
and weekly rest.

Rest breaks at work

Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day, if they work more than 6 hours a day. This could be a tea or lunch break.

The break doesn’t have to be paid – it depends on their employment contract.

Daily rest

Workers have the right to 11 hours rest between working days, eg if they finish work at 8pm, they shouldn’t start work again until 7am the next day.

Weekly rest

Workers have the right to either:

• an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week
• an uninterrupted 48 hours without any work each fortnight

A worker’s employment contract may say they’re entitled to more or different rights to breaks from work.

Exceptions to this are

• the armed forces, emergency services or police and they’re dealing with an exceptional catastrophe or disaster
• a job where they freely choose what hours they work (like a managing director) or where the work is not measured (ie no set hours)
• sea transport
• air or road transport (known as ‘mobile’ workers)

Air, sea or road transport workers may be covered by special rules that give them different rest rights.

Mobile workers not covered by any special rules usually have the right to regular rest so that their health and safety (or anyone else’s) isn’t put at risk.

There are also special rules for young workers and for lorry and coach drivers.

Work Christmas Party Tips

With Christmas just around the corner this can be a tricky time in the working environment. Most people are beginning to get in the festive mood, and this can sometimes impact on the work environment. From inappropriate actions in the office, to arriving late or hung over.

Here are five tips to ensure your Christmas Party is remembered for all the right reasons.

1 – Make sure it’s fun
Christmas parties should be fun and not forced. If people do not want to attend don’t make them.  Give a couple of options and if any member of staff does not want to come, accept that. You cannot insist people enjoy themselves and you do not want your party to cause any resentment.

2 – Avoid Alcohol and Mistletoe
On their own they can be bad but when mixed you are just asking for trouble.  What can start as light-hearted fun can quickly escalate to harassment and a lawsuit.  Your party should be inclusive and relaxed, avoid any activity that encourages certain types of behaviour.

3 – Think Differently
This year why not involve the family, or partners? This can ensure a different slant is taken perhaps it could be a bowling party or a day out to Safari Park, something that will encourage a different atmosphere.

4 – Take in a show
Why not show your staff a good time with a comedy or magic/illusionist show or a musical.  A Christmas celebration does not have to be a party.
5 – Keep it in the day
A lunch time meal can be a lot more civilized, as well as giving everyone a break from work.

Taking your team out for a meal during office hours is always a good way of maintaining a level of control over the party after all, most people tend to behave better in the daytime.

A thought to remember, if you supply alcohol to your staff at a Christmas Party you, as the employer, becomes responsible for their actions when they are under the influence.  You could be held accountable for any damage or trouble caused. Just think about what the ramifications could mean if they got behind the wheel of a car.

And please remember that the staff party is not for everyone, no one should be made to feel pressured in to attending.
You should celebrate Christmas. Your staff have worked hard, but make sure you know what you are signing up for.

Why take your annual leave?

Holidays are good for your health

So what are the effects of working long hours without taking sufficient holiday breaks? It is important for employers to insist on a healthy work/life balance for their employees:

Excessive hours can have a negative effect on job performance and cause costly or reputation-damaging mistakes.

Fatigue-related accidents are potentially life-threatening.

Employers need to ensure that they do everything in their power to improve productivity through efficiency improvements rather than by overloading their staff.

Working long hours doesn’t necessarily lead to marriage breakdown, it can put a strain on relationships with partners, children and friends

Simon Briault of the Federation of Small Businesses told the BBC: “It is important for employees to take the time off they are entitled to. Everybody needs a break to relax and unwind.”

“In the long run, it will be beneficial for the employee and the employer alike,” continues Simon, “because it helps to reduce ill-health and absenteeism.”

5 tips for the holiday-shy

If you’re married to your job, here are five top tips on how to make sure you take valuable time away from work:

• Always give your employer plenty of notice of time you’d like to take off
• Commit yourself to a break by booking flights and hotels in advance
• Plan a holiday with friends and family so you can’t let them down by backing out
• Delegate work to colleagues before you leave so you know you won’t return to chaos
• When you do get away leave the laptop at home, turn off the phone.. and relax!