Maximum Working hours

The current law in England and Wales states that the majority of employees over the age of 18 should not work more than 48 hours per week. This is calculated by the average of number of hours worked over a 17 week period. This calculation does not include lunch breaks, annual leave, maternity/paternity leave or sick leave. The calculation also does not include work employees have taken home of their own will, or time spent travelling to and from work. However, employees are able to work more than 48 hours if they wish too, and such a request should be made in writing. An employee can also give notice should they wish to stop working more than 48 hours per week. It is worth noting that certain jobs are not subject to the maximum limits of 48 working hours per week, including emergency service workers and drivers of heavy good vehicles.