Working Time Regulations - an Overview

Written by Andrew Johnson, Founder and CEO HRGuide - updated Mon 8th Dec 2025

The Working Time Regulations 1998 in the UK set a maximum of 48 hours for the working week, averaged over 17 weeks. This law, sometimes referred to as the ‘working time directive’ or ‘working time regulations’, is designed to protect workers' health, safety, and wellbeing. It includes rules for working time, including the maximum number of hours an employee can work, rest breaks, and paid annual leave. Employers must keep records of working hours and ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid legal issues. Workers can make claims to an employment tribunal if they believe their employer has not followed the law on working time.

What are the main provisions of the Working Time Regulations?

• Weekly working hours: A maximum limit is set on the number of hours an employee can work in a week. This is usually 48 hours, averaged over 17 weeks.  
• Young workers: For those under 18, the maximum is 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. 
• Rest breaks: A rest period of 20 minutes for every six hours worked is given. 
• Daily rest: A minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours between working days. 
• Weekly rest: Employees are entitled to a rest period of at least 24 hours in each seven-day period. 
• Night work: Additional provisions are provided for night workers, including limits on the average number of night hours worked per week. 
• Annual leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum number of paid annual leave days. This is usually 5.6 weeks per year which includes public holidays. Learn more in our step by step guide.
• Records: Employers are required to keep records of employees' working hours to demonstrate full compliance with regulations.

Having a thorough understanding of these regulations and what they mean for your employees will ensure that you follow them properly.