Working Time Regulations

In recruiter context

Workers can opt out of the 48-hour limit voluntarily by signing an opt-out — common in financial services, hospitality, and senior commercial roles. Rest entitlements: 20-minute break for 6+ hour shifts, 11 hours daily rest, 24 hours weekly rest. Annual leave entitlement: 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time including bank holidays). Night workers have additional protections — 8-hour average limit, free health assessments. Enforcement is weak in practice; most breaches resolve via grievance procedure or tribunal claim rather than HSE intervention.