UK - am I entitled to a paid lunchbreak?

Question

I usually work part time (from two till six in the afternoon) but am covering for a sick employee who works the morning shift. I now work from nine in the morning, with no breaks. When I asked about a lunch break, I was told it would be deducted from my wages.

Is this right?

Answer 1

The best way to reslove this is to ring up a union for advice, you don't have to be a member.

Answer 2

Absolutely not right. If you are covering for somebody then you should have the same deal as them. Even the most stingey company I've worked for gave us a 30 minute break at lunch.

Answer 3

Most workers have the right to take breaks, but whether or not you are paid for them depends on the terms of your employment contract. There are special rules about rest breaks fo some types of worker - especially those working in the transport industry. Types of breaks

You will normally have a variety of different breaks from work. These can be broken down into three types:

'rest breaks' - lunch breaks, tea breaks and other short breaks during the day

'daily rest' - the break between finishing one days work and starting the next (for most people this is overnight between week days)

'weekly rest' - whole days when you don't come into work (for many people this will be the weekend)

The second and third types of break are almost never paid (unless you have to remain 'on call'). The first type is often paid but doesn't have to be unless your contract says so.

Check out this goverment site out and see if your entitled to be paid. Good Luck

Answer 4

yes its right we all have unpaid lunch breaks

Answer 5

Depending on the company.Some do not pay even their full time employee during lunch break.

Answer 6

your entitled to an hour break every 6 hours i think, however you will not be paid for it.

Answer 7

Yes that's right.  ALL breaks - lunch, tea, toilet - are in YOUR time.

Answer 8

You need to go to Citizens advice, it sounds wrong. Usually you have an unpaid lunch and paid breaks (shorter periods).

Answer 9

Ignore the first respondent - he's either a Yank or a f*ckwit.

Statutory law says you are entitled to breaks but whether you're paid for them is down to you contract of employment, of which you should have a copy.

If that states that you must be paid, and your employer refuses, then you can take it up with your Union rep (if you have one).

I suggest you refer to the info given here <>.http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/E...

Answer 10

depends what you signed your name to in your work contract. you should have an unpaid 15 min break every 4 hours by law though.