The UK's working time regulations set out the minimum conditions relating to weekly working time, rest entitlements and annual leave in the UK. UK employees can opt-out of the provisions relating to the minimum 48-hour working week.

Explore our resources for information regarding employees’ basic rights and protections relating to working time.

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Factsheets

Regularly-updated factsheets provide overviews and information on a topic

One Factsheet about Working time regulations
Factsheet
Working hours and time off work
Understand the basics of the Working Time Regulations in the UK, working hours trends, holidays and special leave.
For Members

Employment law

Practical resources to help you address employment law issues at work, and keep up with recent and pending legislation.

One Employment law about Working time regulations
Employment law
Working time: UK employment law
CIPD guidance on the legality of working hours in the UK
For Members

Guides

Designed for practitioners, our guides provide recommendations and advice on how to apply good practice in the workplace.

One Guide about Working time regulations
Guide
Sabbaticals: Guide for people professionals
This guide provides advice for employers on offering a period of sabbatical leave

Thought leadership

Insight and foresight from our experts in people and the world of work

One Thought leadership about Working time regulations
Thought leadership
Coming soon eventually: Labour’s 32-hour week
At the Labour Party conference, John McDonnell grabbed headlines by announcing his commitment to reduce the working week to 32 hours – without a loss of pay. Mark Beatson takes us through the proposal and what the policy would mean in practice

Policy engagements

Our calls for action.

One Policy engagement about Working time regulations
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Zero-hours contracts for agency workers
Our response to the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the application of zero hours contracts measures to agency workers. 

Learning

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Our Essential Insights courses are free as part of the CIPD membership.

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Gain the fundamentals of employment law so you can confidently handle common employment issues that arise on a day-to-day basis.

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