No lunch break

[Fish the Mod]

My friend works for a party shop, typical family concern. They say he can't have a lunch break on busy days like Saturdays. He has never signed a contract. Are they breaking the law

[dot.hawkes]

if they employ under a certain number , i think it is 6, then they do not have to comply with any employment guidelines nor legislation as far as i recall. Check the USDAW site.

[joko]

do you mean they won't let him eat? or just not have an hour off for lunch? you must be allowed to eat and have drinks at regular intervals for health and safety reasons.

i understand why he can close and have all staff go off for an hour, but if you all agreed to eat at different times, so the shopped was still well staffed, he may consider this

[daftpixie]

Im sure you entitled to 20 minutes break for every 4 hours you work, but I think as Dot says, that may not apply to very small businesses. The Citizens Advice Bureau have an excellent website you could check.

[homerthegrea]

All firms must apply the law on breaks however big or small, unless they have a special dispensation set out by the European Union (as this is where this law comes from) those that do have a dispensation are Hospitals,fire and police etc this shop i dont think somehow will have one. I think he might just be taking the p**s.