Working Time Regulations 1998

AO1: Creating a Staff Handbook for the new Manager of Madame Tussauds

Where are we and what are we doing?

Where are we and what are we doing?

Objectives

• Fully comprehend the Working Time Regulations 1998

• Understand how this legislation impacts the role of the owners, managers and employees of Madame Tussauds

• Provide appropriate advice in the staff handbook as to how to ensure a new manager complies with these regulations.

The Working Time Regulations 1998

• Most workers have the maximum hours they should work set down in law under the Working Time Regulations. These govern:– How long they should work during a shift without a

break– How long they should work in any one week– What rest periods should be taken between days or

nights of work• The law applies to nearly all businesses and

nearly all workers

The Rules:

• As an employer, the Working Time Regulations cover:– Holiday entitlement– The maximum average working week– The right to rest breaks during the working day– The right to rest periods between working days– Hours when working at night

The Rules (2)

• In general, workers aged 18 and over are entitled to:– 5.6 weeks’ holiday a year– Work no more than 6 days out of every 7, or 12

out of every 14– Take a 20 minute break if their shift lasts more

than six hours– Work a maximum 48-hour average week

The Rules (3)

• Workers aged 16 and 17 are entitled to:– Take at least 30 minutes break if their shift lasts

more than 4 ½ hours– Work no more than 8 hours a day, and 40 hours a

week– Have 12 hours’ rest between working days and 2

days off every week. – 5.6 weeks’ holiday a year

Recent Changes...

• The statutory holiday period increased from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks on 1 April 2009

• Since this date it is not permitted to give pay in lieu of statutory holiday

• These entitlements are calculated on a pro rata basis. If a worker works 3 days a week, they will be entitled to:

3.6 days x 5.6 weeks = 16.8 days

There are exceptions....

• Some sectors are subject to different rules;– If employees work a long way from where they live– If employees have to travel to different places for

work– Security/surveillance– Round the clock staffing– Rail transport– Exceptionally busy periods– Emergencies

Group task...

How does this affect Merlin?

• They are responsible for ensuring the Management of Madame Tussauds are familiar with the rules and regulations– May need to provide training/literature/briefing

sessions

How does this affect the Management?

• Have to continually monitor and assess the breaks, holidays, shifts and work rotas

• Ensure that nobody is working for too long, and that their breaks are an appropriate length

How does this affect an employee?

• Ensure that they are receiving adequate breaks, holiday entitlement, and rests between shifts

• They have less excuse to be tired, and unprepared for work

• They will be closely monitored.

Reminder:

• You are writing a staff handbook for a new Manager of Madame Tussauds– Pay attention to your use of language– You represent the owners of Madame Tussauds,

Merlin Entertainments– You need to be explicit about the new managers

responsibilities and expectations with complete reference to the rules and regulations.

How would you manage staff hours and rest breaks?

• Staff hand book• Keep detailed records• Appoint someone to monitor hours