Working Hours

Working hours are governed by the Working Time Regulations. Most workers can not be forced to work more than 48 hours per week on average. The average is calculated over a 17 week period. Your employer can not dismiss you for refusing to accept longer working hours - even if your contract requires you to do so.

Workers can increase their working hours by opting out of the 48 hour limit. To opt-out, you need to put your request in writing, sign the letter and send it to your employer.

+ lake transport worker on board a sea going fishing vessel, sea transport worker
+ mobile worker in inland waterways
+ domestic servant working in a private house
+ company directors who can freely choose their working hours.
+ emergency services, police and armed forces

Workers are required to work on Sundays if their contract says so. Sunday working hours can not be forced upon workers unless they have a contract agreement to work Sundays. Where there is no contractual agreement for Sunday work hours, an employer who forces a worker to work Sundays would be in breach of contract.

If you are a shop worker (open to the public) you have special rights. You can opt-out from working on Sundays even if your contract requires Sunday working hours. If you only work on Sundays you can not opt-out.