Working Time RegulationsWhat it means, in plain English

The Working Time Regulations 1998 are the UK rules governing maximum working hours, rest breaks and paid annual leave. They cap average working time at 48 hours per week, normally averaged over 17 weeks, and set minimum daily rest of 11 hours, weekly rest of 24 hours and a 20-minute break on shifts over six hours. Employers must keep adequate records to show compliance, which is why accurate time tracking underpins working time compliance.