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Guidance on implementing the EC directive on working time for consultants

April 2008

The EC directive on working time is health and safety legislation to protect employees from working excessive hours. The regulations which implement the directive in law came into force on 1
October 1998, and as primary legislation provide for:

• a limit of an average of 48 hours worked per week, over a reference period.
• a limit of 8 hours worked in every 24 hour period for night work.
• a weekly rest period of 24 hours every week.
• an entitlement to 11 hours consecutive rest per day.
• an entitlement to a minimum 20 minute rest break where the working day is longer than 6 hours.
• a requirement on the employer to keep records of hours worked

All consultants are covered by the entitlements afforded under the Directive. Employers have a legal obligation to implement the directive, with strict penalties being imposed by the Health and Safety Executive for non-implementation.

The CCSC has produced comprehensive new guidance for consultants on the European Working Time Directive: the attached PDF details a number of issues, including an outline of the EC directive, recommended actions for LNCs, how to calculate the number of hours worked, covering absent colleagues, compensatory rest and night work.