WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE
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) There is no definition of "special hazards" so some form of risk assessment is required.
Every night worker is entitled to a free health assessment before assignment and at regular intervals. If his GP says he is suffering from health problems connected to the night work, he has a right to be transferred to day shifts.
Weekly rest period
• The standard weekly rest period is 24 consecutive hours in every seven-day period, but this can be modified to 48 hours in each 14day period,
Short rests
• These should be for ao uninterrupted minutes if the working day is longer than six hours—which is hardly a burden.
Monotonous work
• Where the work rate is predetermined, or the work is monotonous, there should be frequent short breaks. This is unlikely to apply to anyone in road haulage, but lawyers, actuaries and accountants find these breaks indispensable, especially when taken with a 20minute lunch break.
Paid annual leave
• This entitlement begins after 13 weeks employment. Since November 1999 the statutory minimum has been four weeks. Bank Holidays, Christmas and so on can count towards making up the four weeks.
Leave must be taken in the year in which it is due. It is not legal to pay money in lieu of holiday, except where the person is leaving the employment. What must be paid in this case is the average pay— usually the average pay for normal hours without overtime.