Doctor's orders
Question
I am an auxiliary nurse working shifts that either run from seven in the morning to two in the afternoon, two in the afternoon till nine at night, or nine at night to seven in the morning. Sometimes I'm asked to work until nine at night and then start again at seven in the morning. When we're really busy I can be asked to do a double shift and work right through from seven in the morning until nine at night.
Recently I've being getting asked to work from nine at night until seven in the morning and then be back at work for another shift at two in the afternoon. Does this sound right to you? How long a break am I entitled to between each shift?
Answer
The regulations surrounding working time can be complicated but you're entitled to a rest period of 11 hours for each 24 hour working period and an uninterrupted 24 hour break for every seven day work period.
You should also never be forced to work more than 48 hours a week, on average. This is usually worked out over 17 weeks, though in some circumstances it can be calculated over 26 (or even 52 weeks if you agree). How this is calculated should be made clear in your contract. If your shifts regularly include night-time work then, on average, you can't work anymore than eight hours a night.
You can find full information about working time regulations on the Department of Trade and Industry website.
If you think there are issues affecting your health and safety you may wish to contact your union and discuss the issue with them before discussing the situation with your employer.
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