Working Time Directive

The Working Time Regulations were introduced in 1998 and subsequently amended in 2003 to provide enhanced rights to workers under the age of 18, and to ensure that all workers do not have to work excessive hours

Aged 14

may not work for more than 2 hours on weekdays and Sundays, and not more than five hours on Saturdays, during term time
may not work more than five hours on weekdays or Saturdays, and no more than two hours on a Sunday, during school holidays
may not work before 7am or after 7pm

Aged 15-16

The same as 14 year olds, but they are allowed to work for up to eight hours on Saturdays and during school holidays
This applies to 16 year olds who are still in school


Young workers aged 16 (and have left school) to their 18th birthday

may not ordinarily be employed for more than 8 hours per day
may not ordinarily be employed for more than a maximum of 40 hours per week (including overtime)
are entitled to 12 hours consecutive hours of rest in each 24 hour period
are entitled to minimum 30 minutes rest break when they work more than 4 ½ hrs
are usually prohibited from working between 10pm and 6am or 11pm and 7am, although there are some exemptions (workers in hospitals, catering, postal deliveries)

The maximum for those over 18

is 48 hours per week, including any overtime (but with the option to opt out at any time)
and a rest break of at least 20 minutes after 6 consecutive hours of work

For further information about the Working Time Directive contact our Vacancy Services Team

Tel FREEPHONE 0800 028 4723

Email: vst@connexionslive.com