Breaks at work

Breaks at work

Where do i stand here?

I am doing 8 hour shifts well 9. 2pm till 11pm. And when i asked about breaks i got told we eat and drink as we go along. Now i work in a petrol station and sometimes it gets busy so its hard to eat at the same time.

Is this ok?

Thanks

[bopdude]

Originally Posted by Angelus

Breaks at work

Where do i stand here?

I am doing 8 hour shifts well 9. 2pm till 11pm. And when i asked about breaks i got told we eat and drink as we go along. Now i work in a petrol station and sometimes it gets busy so its hard to eat at the same time.

Is this ok?

Thanks

Some usefull info here, I thought it was 15 minutes every 3 hours, this site seems to differ saying its 20 minutes in a shift

[monkey2468]

I Thought It Was 20 Mins Per 6 Hours.
It Used To Be 10mins Every 4 Hours........ Or Have I Been Reipped Off?

[bopdude]

Originally Posted by monkey2468

I Thought It Was 20 Mins Per 6 Hours.
It Used To Be 10mins Every 4 Hours........ Or Have I Been Reipped Off?

The link mentions 20 minutes in a 6 hour shift, but theres no fixed time to take it, as long as its not the start or end of the shift.

[Strzelecki]

The Working Time Regulations 1998 state that adult workers are entitled to a rest break when their working day is more than six hours. Assuming there is no collective or workforce agreement, you are entitled to a rest break for an uninterrupted period of not less than 20 minutes. You are entitled to spend that break away from your workstation.
However, your employer must also comply with the Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment, or DSE, assuming you till equipment has a screen?) Regulations, 1992. These Regulations state that an employer must plan work activities so that 'daily work on DSE is periodically interrupted by such breaks or changes of activity as reduce their workload at that equipment' (Regulation 4).

The Guidance to the Regulations states:

1. Breaks should be taken before the onset of fatigue, not in order to recuperate.
2. Breaks should be included in working time.
3. Short breaks of 5-10 minutes every 50-60 minutes are more satisfactory than occasional longer breaks.
4. Breaks should be taken away from the screen where possible.
5. Informal breaks appear to be more effective than formal breaks.