From October 1, the EU Working Time Directive became law in this country.

Most employees over the minimum school leaving age, under this law, will only be able to work up to a maximum of 48 hours a week. However, you can agree to work more than 48 hours.

Night workers will only be allowed to work an average of eight hours in each 24 hour period. The average will be worked out over a 17-week period.

If the work involves special hazards or heavy physical or mental strain, night workers can only work a maximum of eight hours in each 24-hour period.

An employee must have a health assessment before starting night work and at regular intervals too.

Employees who work more than six hours a day will be entitled to one day off a week, eleven hours consecutive rest every 24 hours and at least one 20-minute rest break each working day.

Although these are new rights and regulations, you will still have to look at your contract of employment.

For example, rest breaks will only be paid if this is explicitly stated in the contract.

Otherwise you will have to negotiate with your employer.

Most people who have now worked for their employer for more than 13 weeks will now be entitled to a minimum of three weeks paid annual holiday leave.

From November 1999, this entitlement increases to four weeks.

If you want any further information, do come and see us at the Elstree and Borehamwood Citizens Advice Bureau and we will be happy to help you in any way we can. You will find us at 4 Allum Lane, Elstree.

Telephone 0181 953 4643 or for an appointment, 0181 953 9961.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.