United Kingdom
Governed by Working Time Regulations 1998 (EU directive transposition). 48 h/week average cap (individual opt-out possible). 11 h daily rest, 24 h weekly. No general time-tracking obligation (except specific sectors). Flexible remote work since 2024 from day one.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
48 h/week averaged over 17 weeks, individual opt-out possible
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly cap | 48 h avg over 17 wks | WTR Reg. 4 | Signed written opt-out possible |
| Opt-out | Individual waiver | WTR Reg. 5 | Revocable 7 days notice |
| Daily | No statutory cap | — | Except young workers |
| Mobile workers | Specific regime | WTR Reg. 18+ | Outside general WTR |
Overtime
No dedicated statutory definition · contract/CBA
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overtime | No statutory definition | Common law | By contract |
| Premium | By contract | Contract | Not mandatory |
| TOIL | Time off recovery | Contract | Common practice |
| Total weekly cap | 48 h avg (unless opt-out) | WTR Reg. 4 | Including OT |
Rest & breaks
11 h daily, 24 h weekly (or 48 h over 2 wks) · 20-min break if >6h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive h | WTR Reg. 10 | Between days |
| Weekly rest | 24 h or 48 h/2 wks | WTR Reg. 11 | Employer’s choice |
| Break | 20 min if >6 h | WTR Reg. 12 | Unpaid unless contract |
| Workers <18 | 12 h rest, 2 d/wk | WTR Reg. 10 | Enhanced protection |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Night defined 11pm-6am · no statutory bank holidays guaranteed · 28 d leave incl
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night work | Min 3 h between 11pm-6am | WTR Reg. 2 | Standard definition |
| Night cap | 8 h avg/24 h | WTR Reg. 6 | 17-week avg |
| Night medical | Free before and periodic | WTR Reg. 7 | Employer obligation |
| Bank holidays | 8 typical days | Banking Act 1871 | Not automatic legal right |
| Sunday | No general restriction | Contract | Sector (retail Sunday Trading) |
Time recording
No general UK obligation · post-Brexit BAG/CJEU retained but not transposed
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours tracking | No general obligation | WTR | But 48 h cap traceability |
| Retention | 2 years (hours + leave) | WTR Reg. 9 | HSE inspection |
| Transport | Tachograph mandatory | Drivers’ Hours Rules | EU regime retained |
| Penalties | Up to £5k+ Magistrates | HSE enforcement | Improvement notice |
Remote & flex work
Flexible Working Act 2024: right from day one · ACAS Code
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flex working request | From day 1 (was 26 wks) | FW Act 2024 | Effective 6 April 2024 |
| 2 requests/year | Instead of 1 | FW Act 2024 | 2-month response |
| Remote expenses | HMRC £6/wk flat | HMRC EIM01476 | Or actual costs proven |
| Right to disconnect | Not statutory | — | Possible via agreement |
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