April 6: 'Unmeasured working time' exemption is removed

The exemption from the limits on the maximum weekly working time and length of night work in cases where working time is partly unmeasured or determined by the worker is removed from 6 April 2006.

The Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2006 remove the exemption from the Working Time Regulations 1998, regulation 20. This regulation provides that the limits on working time do not apply to a worker where 'on account of the specific characteristics of the activity in which he is engaged, the duration of his working time is not measured or predetermined or can be determined by the worker himself'.

  • Amendment to Working Time Regulations 1998   IRS Employment Review looks at the implications of the amendment.
  • Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2006   The full text of the Regulations can be viewed on XpertHR'slegislation service.

    Also

    Best practice on working time and work-life balance   HR & Compliance Centre presents a selection of links to our extensive resources on managing working time and work-life balance

    Weighing up the health impact of the working time opt-out   Alan Osborn assesses the workplace health implications of the UK's opt-out from the 48-hour working week, including its impact on stress.

    Working time opt-out to remain for now and Minister promises UK will maintain 48-hour opt-out    HR & Compliance Centre reports.

    New HSE stress management standards in focus and More meaningful work may be the key to reducing stress    HR & Compliance Centre reports.

    How to prevent claims of workplace stress   Practical guidance from HR & Compliance Centre's How to service.

    Hours of work and Rest breaks and rest periods    HR & Compliance Centre's employment law reference manual provides guidance on hours of work and rest breaks and rest periods.

    Working time: the case law    HR & Compliance Centre's case law reports service rounds up what the courts have said about working time.