what are laws regarding breaks at work?

[MsEVP]

I`ve searched the net and not found any answer. I have a friend whose daughter (who has only one kidney) has just started working for (a well-known chain of five and dime stores). She only works four hours but needs the money and is happy doing the job, however, she stops drinking before going to work. This is not good for someone with her condition. She did inform her workplace before she started that she only had one kidney. Does anyone know the work laws regarding toilet breaks?

[Ethel]

Are you in the US?

If so, you may not get the proper answer here is this is mainly UK

[MsEVP]

No, no, Ethel, here in Wales!

[redcrx]

they cant stop her going to the loo. If she needs to go then she needs to go. It wouldnt be an actual break as such.

[MsEVP]

sorry, I confused with the five and dime bit. I couldn`t think what else to call this cheap store

[MsEVP]

Thanks, Red, that`s a very good point.

[WoWo]

I think she just needs to explain fully her condition and tell them that she needs to take very short breaks.

I know you said that she explained before she started but she needs to make it clear to them the consequence, which in reality is nothing difficult for them to deal with.

[MsEVP]

Thanks, Wo Wo.

[Lil O'lady]

There are a couple of Shop Assistans Acts dating from the 1870's onward that are aimed specifically at preventing work circumstances worsening 'female conditions' - they are still the law now. Worth looking them up in Hansard. Or join the TGWU.

[jj0198]

Under the disability discrimination act the employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabilities. In the case of your friends daugther this may manifest itself in needing the loo. Therefore she should explain this to her supervisor and there should be no problem.

[MsEVP]

Lil and jj: I am most grateful to you both for your terrific responses. I`ll pass them on tomorrow. Many thanks, Tina

[jkkerr]

I sympathise, but if she is for instance working on a checkout, that could be quite a problem for her employer.

For example - she's serving customers, a queue is forming, she has to go to the loo meaning that someone else has to cover her.

Many employment application forms have a section for stating whether your require special help/assistance etc - did she have to fill one of these out?

[MsEVP]

jjk: all things to think about & I`ll find out the answers to these. Many thanks for responding. (I hope I`ll be able to help out one day with something within my capabilities! Anybody got a spooky problem!)