break times

postman hgv · Post by **postman hgv** » 10 Apr 2017, 14:41

hello gang,just a qick question.in my office certain new temp promoted staff are not taking breaks they are saying we don't do breaks and when a manager was told this they said it was nothing to do with them.this is a health and safety issue on both counts.So if he or she has a accident on duty will this not come into play,as they are doing 8 hr shifts +.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 10 Apr 2017, 15:58

If working more than 6 hours then the break statutory break is 20 minutes for all workers except drivers where the rules are different. The rules for drivers can be found at https://www.gov.uk/drivers-hours" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This means it is a H&S breach and the manager has a duty of care. If the manager won't do anything then go the H&S Rep and higher if needs be.

yubin282 · Post by **yubin282** » 10 Apr 2017, 20:20

The breaks situation is a disgrace but what chance have we got when our office own office rep said "breaks are a load of shite and a total waste of time".

hans solo · Post by **hans solo** » 11 Apr 2017, 11:15

its the first main question they ask if you have an accident btw
be warned no break no claim

iHateD2Ds · Post by **iHateD2Ds** » 13 Apr 2017, 09:06

In my experience Some managers turn a blind eye,and as long as the walk gets completed ,they allow you to finish on your break.
But if a accident on duty occurs especially a RTA they will investigate for possible reasons and not having your break is one of them.
I have also read on this forum ,a guy with 25 years service had a RTA but had not taken a break.He was sack and the Union couldn't do a thing because a 20min break is mandatory.

My advice is take your 20 min break before you go out or whilst on delivery and finish on the remainder.