Overtime
UK Overtime: Rules, Pay Rates and How to Calculate It
Overtime is any time worked beyond normal contracted hours. UK law sets limits on total hours but leaves overtime pay to the employment contract.
Time-Clocking — General guidance with linked official sources
Quick answer
UK employers don't have to pay extra for overtime, and there's no statutory overtime rate. The contract sets whether overtime is paid and at what rate (often time and a half). Average pay for all hours must still meet the National Minimum Wage, and most workers can't be required to average more than 48 hours a week unless they opt out.
Overtime Calculator
Result
- Basic hours
- 37.5
- Overtime hours
- 7.5
- Basic pay
- £525.00
- Overtime pay
- £157.50
- Total gross pay
- £682.50
37.5 h × £14.00 + 7.5 h × £14.00 × 1.5 = £682.50. UK law doesn't set an overtime rate — use the one in the contract.
How to calculate overtime pay
- Find the contracted hours (e.g. 37.5).
- Subtract them from hours worked to get overtime hours.
- Multiply overtime hours by the basic rate and the overtime multiplier.
- Add basic pay for the contracted hours.
Example
45 hours worked, 37.5 contracted, £14 an hour, time and a half: 37.5 × £14 = £525 basic, 7.5 × £21 = £157.50 overtime, £682.50 total.
Key UK rules
- Compulsory overtime is only allowed if the contract says so.
- Average weekly hours are capped at 48 (usually over 17 weeks) unless the worker opts out in writing.
- Workers under 18 can't opt out and can't normally work more than 40 hours a week.
- Regular overtime may need to be included in holiday pay.
- Time off in lieu (TOIL) is allowed if the contract or an agreement provides for it.
Long days also trigger rest-break rules — see rest breaks at work.
Keeping accurate records
Overtime disputes usually come down to what time someone really started and finished. Adding up a week is easy with the time card calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is overtime pay a legal requirement in the UK?
No. It depends on the contract, as long as average pay for all hours worked meets the minimum wage.
What is double time?
Overtime paid at twice the basic hourly rate, often used for Sundays or bank holidays when the contract provides for it.
Can my employer make me work overtime?
Only if your contract includes compulsory overtime, and within the 48-hour average limit unless you've opted out.
Sources and references
- GOV.UK — Overtime: your rights
- GOV.UK — Maximum weekly working hours
- GOV.UK — National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
General information, not legal advice. Check your contract and GOV.UK for your situation.