Q: What is the maximum weekly working hours limit in the UK, and can workers opt out of it?
A: By default, workers must not be made to work more than an average of 48 hours per week (averaged over 17 weeks) under the Working Time Regulations. Adult workers (18 or over) can choose to opt out of the 48-hour limit, but the opt-out must be voluntary and in writing, and they can cancel it with notice. Employers cannot sack or penalise someone for refusing to opt out.
Source: GOV.UK – Maximum weekly working hours & opting out
Q: What rest breaks are workers entitled to during the workday in the UK?
A: Adult workers have the right to at least one uninterrupted 20-minute rest break if their working day exceeds 6 hours. This is often taken as a lunch or coffee break. The break must be during working time (not at the very start or end of the shift), and it's generally unpaid unless your contract says otherwise. (Young workers under 18 get a 30-minute break after 4½ hours)
hse.gov.uk.
Source: HSE – Rest breaks at work (Working Time Regulations)
Q: How much time off are workers in the UK entitled to between shifts and each week?
A: Workers have a right to 11 hours of rest between finishing work and starting the next day (daily rest), and to at least 24 hours uninterrupted off each week (or 48 hours per fortnight) as weekly rest. In other words, adults should get at least one full day off per week. (Under 18s are entitled to 12 hours daily rest and 2 days off each week)
hse.gov.uk.
Source: HSE – Daily and weekly rest periods (Working Time Regulations)
Q: How much paid annual leave (holiday) do employees get?
A: Most workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year. For a full-time employee working 5 days a week, that's 28 days of annual leave. This can include public holidays – there's no automatic right to paid bank holidays, but employers often count them as part of the 28 days. Part-time staff get 5.6 weeks pro rata (for example, someone working 3 days/week gets 16.8 days per year)
gov.uk.
Source: GOV.UK – Statutory holiday entitlement
Q: What are an employer's main health and safety responsibilities in the UK?
A: Employers must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all their employees at work. In practice, this means providing a safe system of work, a safe working environment and equipment, training workers about any hazards, doing risk assessments and controlling risks, consulting employees (or safety reps) on H&S matters, and providing necessary safety gear and welfare facilities. All these duties come under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
tuc.org.uk
Source: TUC – Employer's duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act
Q: Do employers need a written health and safety policy and risk assessments?
A: If you have 5 or more employees, you're legally required to have a written health and safety policy. This policy sets out your general approach and arrangements for keeping people safe. You must also conduct regular risk assessments to identify workplace hazards and implement measures to control them. (Significant findings of risk assessments should be recorded in writing if you have 5+ staff.) Even with fewer than 5 employees, having a simple H&S policy is good practice.
tuc.org.uktuc.org.uk
Source: TUC – Health & safety policy and risk assessment duties
Q: Are there special working time rules for young workers (under 18) in UK labor law?
A: Yes – 16- and 17-year-olds have stricter limits. They can't normally work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, and generally must not work at night (between 10 pm and 6 am, with a few specific exceptions). Young workers are also entitled to a 30-minute rest break if they work over 4½ hours at a stretch, a daily rest of 12 consecutive hours, and 2 days off each week. Unlike adults, they have no opt-out for the 40-hour limit or for night work.
acas.org.ukacas.org.uk
Source: HSE – Working hours for young workers (overview)
Q: If there's a serious accident at work, do employers need to report it to anyone in the UK?
A: Yes, certain work-related incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). This includes any work-related fatality, specified serious injuries (like fractures, amputations, etc.), injuries causing over 7 days' incapacity, certain occupational diseases, and any dangerous occurrences (near-miss events) defined in the regulations. In short, if a major accident happens, you should notify HSE within the required timeframe (immediately for the most serious cases).
hse.gov.uk
Source: HSE – Reportable incidents (RIDDOR guidance)
Q: What first aid arrangements are employers required to have at work in the UK?
A: Every employer must have adequate first aid provision. There isn't a fixed rule for everyone – you should conduct a first-aid needs assessment. But at a minimum, you need a suitably stocked first aid box and an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements. If your assessment shows it's necessary, you should have trained first aiders on site (especially in higher-risk workplaces). The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations don't specify numbers, so base it on your workplace size and hazards.
tuc.org.uk
Source: TUC – Employer duties (provide facilities for staff welfare)
