The Working Time Directive



The Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) implement the requirements of the European Union (EU) Working Time Directive in the UK. The directive aims to protect workers’ health and safety by imposing legal limits on the maximum length of the working week and night work, and requiring paid holidays, breaks and rest periods.



Under the WTR, most UK workers have the right to:



• a maximum average working week of 48 hours, including overtime;



• a maximum of eight hours’ night work;



• a daily rest period of 11 hours;



• a day off per week;



• a rest break if working more than six hours; and



• paid annual leave of 5.6 weeks.