Night shift break and rest rights checker
Enter your shift times to check them against the UK Working Time Regulations: your break during a shift, rest between shifts, weekly rest and the limits that apply to night workers.
Your shift
10 hours
Looks within the rules
- Note: You're entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute break during the shift (it doesn't have to be paid).
- OK: 14 hours between shifts meets the 11-hour daily rest.
- OK: Averages 5.7 hours per 24, within the night worker limit of 8.
- Note: You need 24 hours off each week, or 48 hours every fortnight.
- Note: As a night worker you're entitled to a free health assessment before you start nights, and regularly after.
Adult workers under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Under-18s have stronger limits. This is general information, not legal advice.
Your rights as a night worker
You're a night worker if you regularly work at least 3 hours between 11pm and 6am. Your normal hours shouldn't average more than 8 in every 24, worked out over 17 weeks. If your work involves special hazards or heavy physical or mental strain, you can't work more than 8 hours in any 24.
Every adult worker gets a 20-minute break when a shift is more than 6 hours, 11 hours' rest between working days, and either 24 hours off each week or 48 hours each fortnight. Night workers must be offered a free health assessment.
Common questions
Do I get a break on a 12-hour night shift?
Yes. The legal minimum is one uninterrupted 20-minute break for shifts over 6 hours. It doesn't have to be paid, and many employers give longer.
Can I work a night shift then a day shift?
You're normally entitled to 11 hours' rest between working days. Some roles allow exceptions at shift changeovers, but you should then get compensatory rest.
Can I opt out of the night work limit?
No. You can opt out of the 48-hour weekly average, but not the night worker limit of 8 hours on average in every 24.