In the UK can an employer legally except people to work over 12 hours?

Question

Yesterday I was working and my boss changed the shift just before I started and asked me to be in at 6am instead of doing 12pm-10pm, I asked her twice then what time do I finish then and all I got back twice was I ll calculate it later... Finally at midday she calculated it and said it s the same time so 10pm, and also your in at 8am tomorrow and again work through till 10pm.  This makes a 16 hour shift, and a 14 hour shift, and a 10 hour break between the two shifts.  Is this legal?  Normally our shifts don t usually exceed 12 hours and I m quite sure 12 hours is the legal maximum in the UK.

STEVEN F · Answer

Maxi provided a link to the authoritative source. It says ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about number of hours in one day.

Maxi · Answer

You can't work more than 48 hours a week on average - normally averaged over 17 weeks. This law is sometimes called the 'working time directive' or 'working time regulations'. You can choose to work more by opting out of the 48-hour week. If you're under 18, you can't work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.

More information https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours

Tavy · Answer

They can in certain situations such as Care homes which must be staffed 24/7. This also often happens in Catering. 
If it is on a regular basis then No.
UK

babyboomer1001 · Answer

I suggest you work it without complaint.  You would be lucky to keep the job.

Starrysky · Answer

You used the word "except".  That is the wrong word.  "Expect" is the correct one.
Have a police officer come by your place of work and ask your employer to see your time card.

Anonymous · Answer

No, this is not legal, i would look for another job, if you are in a trade union ask them for advice,you can go online and go on a government website called " pay and rights" get advice from them too.

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In the UK can an employer legally except people to work over 12 hours?

6 Answers