Lunchbreak Entitlement?

[sallyann16]

I am now temping for a property company as Front of House receptionist, working hours 8am-5pm.
The lady who trained me said I do not get a lunch break but can eat on reception. I brought this up with the HR person and she said I can go and sit on the sofas in reception and walk around. But even if I did this, the phones still need answering and visitors greeted.
What do employment laws say about a lunch break, and what defines a 'break'?

[hc4361]

If you work more than 6 hours a day you are legally entitled to a 20 minute break during the working day.

[hc4361]

Forgot the link
https://www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work/overview

[Smowball]

You can't possibly have nine hours working without a proper break. - they're taking the mickey

[Old_Geezer]

You can eat on reception, but you brought it up ?
That should encourage them to allow you a lunch break elsewhere.

[Canary42]

Nice one OG.

[HansUrbancka]

Temps are normally employed from an Agency. If you are then speak to your Agency Manager on the matter.

Hans.

[sallyann16]

Thanks for your answers so far.
What I really want to know it, what constitutes a "break"?
The company employs me, not an agency, so I will need to raise it with them.
My head is spinning come 5pm and I feel like my skeleton has atrophied!

[ubasses]

The link HC gave you covers it, page forward to section 2. The break should be taken away from the desk and doesn't count if you have to go back to work.

[hc4361]

It doesn't have to paid, though, so they could either dock your wages or extend your working day.
Eating at reception is very bad form and gives a poor image of the company - I'm surprised that is what they want you to do.

[sallyann16]

Me too hc4361 - I refuse to be seen eating on reception, it's a matter of pride - so I don't eat either!
I will talk to my line manager about it on Monday and definitely make sure I'm paid for my non-lunch break!

[Smowball]

I think they're being completely unfair and agree it looks very bad eating at reception

[zebo]

The smelliest Pot Noodles, I banned one of my staff from eating those in my classroom, Go and stink your own place out!

[thugulike]

After 6 hours you must take a minimum of 20 minutes for a break but it is unpaid. If it is unpaid then you can leave the premises unless you work in say a care home where it is impractical. Working Time Regulations are very clear about this

[Peter Pedant]

thanks thugulike
very clear

I dont know why employers treat their staff like crip
and then expect them to be productive

ho hum I am not a manager

[sallyann16]

Thanks Thugulike. I will be taking this to my manager tomorrow morning - will let you know what happens!

[Jackdaw33]

What happens to the desk when you need to go to the toilet?

[THECORBYLOON]

The Regulations do NOT say folk can leave the premises. They say, "Rest breaks
12.—(1) Where an adult worker’s daily working time is more than six hours, he is entitled to a rest break.
....
(3) Subject to the provisions of any applicable collective agreement or workforce agreement, the rest break provided for in paragraph (1) is an uninterrupted period of not less than 20 minutes, and the worker is entitled to spend it away from his workstation if he has one."

The break can be away from the workstation, it need NOT be outwith the premises.