§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what restrictions exist on the length of time an employee may work before he or she is legally entitled to rest.
§ Mr. NichollsIn general, these are matters for agreement between employers and their employees or their representatives, but all employers have a general duty under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. This means they cannot normally require people to work excessive hours or unsuitable shift patterns likely to lead to ill health or accidents caused by fatigue. Work schedules should also allow for adequate rest periods. There are also particular restrictions on the periods that may be worked without a rest by heavy vehicle drivers, aircrews and workers covered by the Shops Act 1950.