Break times

[Starboy123]

Hello,
Has anyone’s break times changed? At Medway Mc Angard agency seem to be getting less break time even though nothing has been communicate by Angard. For example if I was doing a 4 hour shift I would get 30 minutes now we are told we are only getting 20 from the managers at the site. On the sign in sheet it says 30 minutes so a bit confused. Contacted Angard and they sent over the latest break times and it does say 30 minutes for a 4 hour shift. Seems it’s affecting all shifts. Queried it with a manager there but was just told if I don’t like it don’t bother coming in…

[redlen]

If you have been employed for more than 12 weeks by Angard, then you are entitled to the same terms and conditions as contracted staff.
You will need to contact Angard and raise a grievance for compliance.

[Starboy123]

So Royal Mail staff break times have been reduced. Would that mean Angard staff have as well? It’s just Angard are telling me one thing but Royal Mail managers another

[ennabee]

I did a four hour shift as a Royal Mail employee for 5 years, 2015-2020, before going on full 8 hour shifts, and it was a 20 minute paid break. Full shifts get a 40 min plus a 20 min one.

[2chorizon]

3hrs 31 - 4hrs 59 = 20 mins meal relief

[rogersh]

I am not aware of changes to the break for agency staff who currently take a 30 minute break at the end of a four hour shift.

This response (2018) shows the meal relief is different for MC's/RDC's

Simon Barker, UK process operations Director, gave the following response to a question relating to meal relief and the SWW.
“In the way forward agreement, we have commitments of between five and seven hours, people get 30 minutes. Then between seven and eight hours 59 minutes they get 40 minute breaks and that will continue to be honoured.
Within the mail centres and RDCs we’ve Built in a relaxation allowance – its roughly 13 per cent but does change depending on the nature of the job…...”

I sent an email to Simon Barkers’ office asking for clarification;

“As you are aware I have sought assistance from our HR/People Team and they have advised that the relaxation allowance has always been built into the standard times measured to carry out indoor activity, generally at a level of around 11 – 13% depending on the activity being carried out i.e. lifting weight / standing etc.

[gurpbarnes6]

Angard staff are idiots - I was sent a break entitlement table recently in March this year, which overlapped break times which I tried to explain by e-mail but didn't seem the person in payroll understood what I was saying. Here it is and let me know if you agree with me as attached.

[Starboy123]

So this is the same break time email I get from Angard but there payroll department is so dumb. At Medway Mail MC if we do a 4 hour shift they are forcing us to take 20 minutes break and not the 30 minutes we are due. And if we question it we get told if we don’t like it don’t come and then get stopped on the door. But Angard haven’t sent any communications that break times have changed and when you email payroll there so stupid they just keep saying tell the manager you get 30 minutes. Any idea of how I can escalate this in Angard ?

[SpacePhoenix]

In MCs breaktimes for a 4hr shift are 20mins, not 30mins

See this post for what it is for RM staff (should be the same for any agency/casual staff):

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=22175

[Starboy123]

If that’s the case then why are Angard telling us different break times ? I think it is different break times for Angard

[Warbo]

Is it break times or break length thats the problem? Break times are different to the RM staff. Angard are there to cover. Break length can differ slightly on location. 4hr shift 20 min meal break with a 10 mins relax break. Meal breaks increase as per the shift length.

[SpacePhoenix]

Break lengths and times are the same for RM staff and any agency/casuals. Only time that they might not be is during xmas pressure

[gurpbarnes6]

3hrs 31 - 4hrs 59 = 20 mins meal relief

Refer to above table I posted - it's 30 mins as per Angard e-mail.

[gurpbarnes6]

In MCs breaktimes for a 4hr shift are 20mins, not 30mins

See this post for what it is for RM staff (should be the same for any agency/casual staff):

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=22175

That is donkey years ago. Refer to table I posted on here that clearly states 30 mins. I don't think if you work on MC it DC it matters

[N|M]

7-8HR shift is 40 mins + 20 mins grace relief (which does not have to be given)

There is alot of disagreements to meal reliefs as new starters only get 40 mins now where as those on older contracts still get 1hr for a 7.24hr duty.

Edit - also that link space posted is correct - its just never changed.