Part-time job...break entitlements?

[divegirl]

Hi, I work 18 hours a week [3 six hours shifts]. Am I entitled to a break in the middle of my shift and should I be paid for it?
Many thanks
Lisa x

[Whickerman]

If you're in the UK you're entitled to a paid 20 min break on that shift.

[divegirl]

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Lisa x

[Ethel]

The law states that an adult employee (over 18) is entitled to a 20 minute rest break for every shift that lasts more than 6 hours.

As you work a six hour shift, you are not entitled to a rest break.

If you work more than 6 hours in a shift, the regulations do not specify whether these breaks should be paid or not.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/de tail?r.l1=1073858787&r.l3=1074014258&type=RESO URCES&itemId=1073792295&r.l2=1073858926&r.s=sc

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employe es/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029451

http://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/wrk_work_breaks.h tm

[thugulike]

Whickerman is wrong. Look at the Working Time Regulations 1997. You are legally entitled to a break after working 6 hours but the break is unpaid.

[divegirl]

The thing is....I don't mind not having a break...BUT....because I have to clock in and out, if I am shown as working more than the 18 hours [even by a few minutes] I lose 1.5 hours pay!!! Surely that can't be right?

[sarahjh33]

Hi,
Im actually having a similar problem at the moment. So far Ive read that your entitled to a 20min break but the paid/non paid problem should have been highlighted at the beginning of your employment either in your contract or explained between you and your employer. If they advised you that it would be non paid, thats correct and they can do that. If nothing has been said, a decision should be made between you. But will keep you updated as Im having a similar thing. I work 9-4.30 and have 30min break. Nothing in my contract and nothing verbally said, however (since I havent been there long) I only heard from a member of staff that its not paid. So I will be bringing this up since a decision was not made at interview. Hope that helps a bit!