Working Time Directive

We are in the middle of the busy season for temporary labour with many people working long hours particularly those involved with the potato harvest. Please be aware of your legal obligation to allow staff sufficient rest time during these busy times.

Last season a Cambridgeshire potato producer fell foul of these rules and following a milestone ruling in Cambridge Court was fined £30,000 and had to pay costs of £ 24,000. This was after the firm allowed a worker to work for 17 hours a day for 11 days without a day off. He subsequently had a car crash and was killed after falling asleep at the wheel of his car.

It was the first prosecution where the worker died outside of working hours and signals the clear and determined intention of the HSE to bring such cases to court and the court's clear intent to severely penalise those found guilty.

Under the Working Time Directive you are obliged to ensure that employees are given a minimum of 20 minutes break for each 6 hours worked. All employees have the right to at least one day's rest a week or two days every fortnight at the minimum.

When planning labour requirements for busy periods of time it is important to take these factors into consideration and organise your schedule accordingly.


If you have any questions regarding this or similar issues please contact:

Andrew Meredith
T 01568 619117

Sat 1st Sep 2007