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How many breaks do you get in a 10 hour shift UK under 18?

Quick Answer

Under 18s working a 10 hour shift in the UK are legally entitled to take at least 1 hour in breaks. This can be divided into smaller breaks throughout the shift.

Breakdown of Breaks for Under 18s on a 10 Hour Shift

Here is a breakdown of the minimum required breaks for under 18s working a 10 hour shift in the UK:

30 Minute Break

– Under 18s must take at least 30 minutes of break if their shift lasts longer than 4.5 hours.
– This can be taken all at once or divided into two 15 minute breaks.

Additional 30 Minute Break

– If the shift lasts longer than 8 hours, under 18s are entitled to an additional 30 minute break.

Summary

– On a 10 hour shift, under 18s are entitled to a minimum of 1 hour of breaks.
– This could be taken as:
– 1 hour all at once
– Two 30 minute breaks
– One 30 minute break plus three 10 minute breaks
– Six 10 minute breaks

Rest Breaks for Under 18s – The Law

The law regarding breaks for under 18s is as follows:

30 Minute Break

– Workers under 18 must have a break of at least 30 minutes if their shift lasts more than 4.5 hours.
– This can be taken all at once or in two 15 minute breaks.

Additional Breaks

– If the shift is longer than 8 hours, under 18s are entitled to an additional 30 minute break.
– This can be taken all at once or in smaller blocks adding up to 30 minutes.

Night Shifts

– On night shifts, under 18s are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes even if the shift is under 4.5 hours.
– If it is over 8 hours, they must have two 30 minute breaks.

Weekly Rest

– Under 18s are entitled to 2 days off per week.
– The 2 days should be consecutive if possible.

How Many 10 Minute Breaks on a 10 Hour Shift?

On a 10 hour shift, an under 18 does not have to take six 10 minute breaks. Ten minute breaks can be used to make up the total required break time, but are not compulsory.

Some example combinations for a 10 hour shift include:

1 hour break
2 x 30 minute breaks
1 x 30 minute break + 3 x 10 minute breaks
6 x 10 minute breaks

As long as the total break time equals 1 hour, any combination of breaks can be taken. The 10 minute breaks do not have to be evenly spaced out.

Taking Breaks

Under 18s cannot choose to miss out on breaks – they are a legal requirement. Breaks are important to allow young workers to rest, get fresh air and recharge.

Some tips for taking breaks:

– Take breaks away from the work area if possible, for a proper rest.
– Avoid strenuous or stressful activity during breaks.
– Have some healthy food and drink to refuel.
– Get some fresh air outdoors if possible.
– Relax and avoid thinking about work during the break.

Conclusion

To summarize, if you are under 18 and working a 10 hour shift in the UK:

– You are legally entitled to a minimum of 1 hour of breaks.
– This could be taken in different combinations totaling 1 hour.
– You cannot choose to miss out on breaks.
– Breaks should be taken away from the work area and be time to properly rest and recharge.