Shift rotas

[Extrachilli]

We need a shift rota to cover 24/7, 365 days a year, unfortunately with only 8 guys who may never work alone. The problem is exacerbated by the fact we would need to cover each others absence due to holidays, training and sickness. Everyone is opposed to having their holidays rostered into the system. Looks like the Working Time Directive is going out of the window, any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The only current option is 12 hour shifts, 4 on 4 off, (which would extend our working time by 210 hours per year, PLUS overtime covering absences).