Breaks
Rest Breaks at Work: UK Rules Explained
The Working Time Regulations 1998 set three kinds of rest: breaks during the day, rest between working days and weekly rest.
Time-Clocking — General guidance with linked official sources
Quick answer
Adult workers in the UK are entitled to one uninterrupted 20-minute rest break if they work more than 6 hours a day, plus 11 hours' rest between working days and 24 hours' uninterrupted rest each week (or 48 hours each fortnight). Breaks don't have to be paid unless the contract says so.
Break Time Calculator
Result
- Shift length
- 8h 30m
- Break
- 30 min (unpaid)
- Paid working time
- 8h 00m (8.00 h)
- Statutory break (adult)
- 20 min required
Adult workers in the UK are entitled to one uninterrupted 20-minute rest break when they work more than 6 hours a day. It doesn't have to be paid unless the contract says so.
Rest entitlements at a glance
| Entitlement | Adults (18+) | Young workers (under 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Break during the day | 20 min if working over 6 hours | 30 min if working over 4.5 hours |
| Daily rest | 11 hours | 12 hours |
| Weekly rest | 24 hours a week or 48 a fortnight | 48 hours a week |
Details that often cause confusion
- The 20-minute break must be taken during the day, not at the start or end of a shift.
- It can't be split into shorter breaks.
- Employers can decide when it's taken, as long as it meets the rules.
- Some jobs and shift patterns have exceptions, with compensatory rest instead.
Working out paid hours on a night shift? Use the shift hours calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Are lunch breaks paid in the UK?
Not by law. Whether breaks are paid is up to the contract.
How long a break do I get for an 8-hour shift?
At least 20 minutes for an adult worker, though many contracts give more.
Sources and references
General information, not legal advice. Check your contract and GOV.UK for your situation.