Night workers 



Separate rules cover night workers (those working at least three hours between 11pm and 6am). In general, a worker should not work more than eight hours a night, averaged over four months. Employers must provide free health assessments for night workers.



Where a female employee works nights and has a certificate from a doctor or midwife showing that it is necessary for her health and safety or that of her unborn baby not to work nights, the employer should suspend her from working nights for the periods stated in the certificate (regulation 17, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999).The employer must offer suitable alternative daytime work on the same terms and conditions. If there is no suitable daytime work, she should be suspended on full pay for as long as needed for her health and safety.


A woman should not be required to leave her night shift without her agreement if there is no medical evidence from a doctor or midwife stating that this is necessary.


In most cases, young workers are prohibited from working nights. Where they are allowed to do so, the employer must conduct a health assessment (see Chapter 2: Young workers).