In the UK, the law sets certain limits on the number of hours an employee can work to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. According to the Working Time Regulations 1998, which implements the European Working Time Directive, you should not be required to work more than an average of 8 hours in each 24-hour period, averaged out over a 17-week period.
This means that although you may work more than 8 hours in a single day, the average over a 17-week period should not exceed 8 hours per day. This allows for flexibility in working hours, as long as it is balanced out over a longer period.
It’s important to note that this limit is in place to protect employees from working excessively long hours, as extended periods of work can lead to fatigue, reduced productivity, increased risk of accidents, and negative impacts on physical and mental health.
It is worth mentioning that your employer cannot ask you to opt out of this limit. The right to limit working hours is a legal protection provided to employees, and it cannot be waived or overridden by an employer’s request.
If you are asked to work a 16-hour shift, it would be considered a violation of the working time regulations unless it is balanced out by shorter shifts in other days or weeks. It’s essential to monitor your working hours and ensure that the average does not exceed 8 hours per day over a 17-week period.
If you find yourself repeatedly being asked to work excessively long shifts, it may be worth discussing this issue with your employer or seeking advice from a trade union or employment law specialist. It’s important to prioritize your health and well-being and ensure that your working hours comply with the legal requirements.
From a personal perspective, I have encountered situations where colleagues were asked to work extended shifts without the proper balance or consideration for their well-being. These experiences highlight the importance of being aware of your rights as an employee and taking steps to assert them when necessary.
Working a 16-hour shift in the UK is generally not legal unless it is balanced out by shorter shifts to ensure that the average working hours over a 17-week period do not exceed 8 hours per day. It is crucial to understand your rights as an employee and take appropriate action if you find yourself consistently working excessive hours.