Working Time Regulations 1998

The Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) are the UK's core rules on hours of work. If a question starts with "how long can someone work…" or "what breaks do we owe…", the answer almost always lives here.

What they cover

• A limit of 48 hours' average weekly working time, normally measured over a 17-week reference period — individuals can opt out in writing.
• Rest rights: a 20-minute break on shifts over six hours, 11 hours' daily rest, and a weekly rest day (or two per fortnight).
• Paid annual leave of 5.6 weeks, with special accrual rules for irregular-hours workers.
• Night work: an average limit of eight hours in 24 for night workers, plus free health assessments.
• Stronger protections for workers under 18.
• A duty to keep adequate records showing the limits are observed.

Who is covered

The WTR apply to workers, not just employees — so casual, agency and zero-hours staff are in scope. Some sectors (transport, for instance) have their own regimes, and certain roles with genuinely unmeasured time fall outside parts of the rules, but for hospitality, care and retail teams the WTR apply in full. Several entitlements can be adjusted by agreement with compensatory rest given instead — they cannot simply be waived.

Working Time Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1833), as amended — including by the Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023. Guidance from the HSE, ACAS and GOV.UK.

Related terms

• 48-hour opt-out
• Rest breaks
• Night work
• Statutory holiday entitlement