Boots refreshment breaks

[scoobydooby]

Does anyone on here work for Boots? My daughter (16 yrs) works part-time on Saturdays. She starts at 08:30 and finishes at 17:30 and has an hour for lunch (which I appreciate she shouldn't be paid for). However, she has a 15 minute break in the morning and a 15 minute break in the afternoon (neither or which she is paid for either), receiving a total of 7.5 hrs pay per day. I know that companies don't have to pay for refreshment breaks but I'd like to know if this applies to ALL Boots staff. All of the other chain stores/supermarkets in my home town pay their staff for their 15 minute refreshment breaks so I'm surprised at Boots (being such a large organisation) and there's a tiny part of me that thinks they've made a mistake. My daughter doesn't seem to have a problem with this so it's not a big deal to her. However, the protective mother feels her daughter is being short-changed!!!! Please - answer only if you work for Boots. I know she should check her terms and conditions etc etc. but she won't!!! So before I start to ask questions (if it comes to that) I'm hoping someone here can check for me. Thanks in advance x

[STAH]

Hi scoobydooby,

I used to work for Boots when I was doing my A levels on the Pharmacy counter as a healthcare and pharmacy assistant. My contracted hours were Saturday and Sunday; however, I used to help out on other days during the holidays as long as it was not detrimental to my studies.

I have just looked through my papers in the study to see if I could find an old pay slip to answer your question. Sadly, I have disposed of them all as I stopped working for them 8 years ago!

I have a feeling that I was not paid for the two fifiteen minute breaks, perhaps some later post will clarify this point.

I have got to say though that I was very impressed when I worked for them. I even got a transfer to my Univerisity town when I finished my A levels, and I used to work there term time, and at home during the holidays.

Sorry that this does not answer your question fully, however, I have a feeling that this is standard across the board inasmuch that staff are not paid for any breaks.

Cheers,

Scott

[bednobs]

i work for the nhs and dont get paid for my breaks, so i think its fairly across the board. i work 9 - 5 with 1/2 hour luch and get paid for 7.5 hours a day

[matchew]

ACAS website!

[scoobydooby]

I Know what staff are legally entitled to - I live and breathe worting time regs! However, I simply want to know what Boots policy is regarding short refreshment breaks.

[mbtg]

Yes it is correct, Boots do not pay for coffee breaks, I have worked for them for 9 years and have never been paid.

[mbtg]

I work for Boots and I get two fifteen minute breaks and a hour dinner.It is in our rule book. It has been like that for the 9 years I have worked for them.