Introduced as an attempt to control employees working hours and improve working conditions in all sectors, the WTD became effective in the UK on October 1 1998.

There are, however, a number of industries which are exempt:

• Doctors in training (including junior hospital doctors)
• Specific service activities (i.e. armed forces and the police) or specific activities in civil protection services
• Identified ‘sectors of activity’ (i.e. air, rail, road, sea, inland waterways and lake transport, sea fishing and other work at sea – although staff who are not mobile e.g. office staff and warehouse staff, are likely to be covered by the regulations)
• Some workers are partially excluded, and there are some exceptions to shift workers.

If you are unsure about these exceptions contact GT Time on: 08707 550990

Since 1998 all employers, with the exception of the above, have been legally obliged to comply with a number of regulations which state that:

• Employees can only work a maximum of 48 hour per week (on average over a 17 week period)
• All employees have a right to 11 hours rest per day (in 24 hours)
• All employees have a right to a minimum of one days rest per week
• All employees have a right to a rest break if the working day is longer than 6 hours
• All employees have the right to four weeks paid holiday per year
• Night-workers can only work a maximum of 8 hours (average) out of 24 hours
• All night-workers must receive a free health assessment
• Employees can ‘opt-out’ of the Working Time Directive regulations by written agreement with their employer, and can then work more than 48 hours per week
• All employers must keep detailed records of the hours all employees work, unless the employee has opted out
• There are additional regulations for young workers (15 – 18 years)

There are repercussions for non-compliance which can include

• Investigations by the inland Revenue
• A civil claim by an employee
• Prosecution by Health and Safety Executive.