European Working Time Directive

This was implemented at the instigation of the European Commission. Driving it were a desire to improve health and safety, allow for more flexible working hours, create a healthier working environment and to allow for a greater work-life balance.

The UK had been out of step with the rest of Europe but adopted the directive into domestic law in late 1998.

The directive´s provisions are seen in the UK Working Time Regulations. Certain sectors are exempt from the new rules, but broadly, they stipulated:

• A maximum 48 hours working week over a reference period (normally 17 weeks but can be 26 or 52)
• A minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours a day
• A rest break where the working day exceeds 6 hours
• A statutory right to annual paid holiday of 4 weeks
• Night working must not exceed 8 hours a night on average
• Young workers (16-17 years old)
• 40 hours per week - can not be averaged out
• Can not exceed 8 working hours per day

Download our Guide to the European Working Time Directive
(This Guide includes: What the EWTD provides for, Holiday entitlement, Sectors not covered, Daily and weekly rest requirements – where they don´t apply, the opt-out, what records do employers need to keep, how the regulations are enforced, Case Studies, European Commission Consultation, Reference material)