Lunch Breaks For Wimps

17-08-2007

A recent survey involving 1,234 people has revealed that one in five workers does not take a lunch break, during the middle of the working day. It follows a similar survey, which found that nearly one-quarter of British employees enjoy an alcoholic drink during their lunchbreak.

And whilst this might appear to be a bonus for Britain's bosses, employers are advised to make sure that they're monitoring all members of their workforce to prevent any workplace problems arising.

We all know that working long hours affects our ability to cope with our day-to-day roles, and as such more people are starting to question their work-life balance and taking appropriate action. However, what some employees are failing to realise is that not taking time out in the working day can, in the long-term, also affect their health and their ability to do the job.

Employers are required by the Working Time Regulations to ensure that workers take a rest break. Under the regulations, workers who work more than six hours a day are entitled to a rest break of not less than 20 minutes, which must be uninterrupted and should be spent away from the work station. For younger workers (under the age of 18) who work more than four and a half hours a day, they are entitled to a further 10 minutes – 30 minutes in total, which should also be taken away from their work station.

The Working Time Regulations were introduced in 1998 from an health and safety perspective. Not complying with the Regulations could potentially result in enforcement by various authorities including the Health and Safety Executive or with the workers themselves bring Employment Tribunal claims. It's therefore best to ensure that a proper break is taken to comply with the Working Time Regulations.

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