In the UK and Europe there is a limit on the maximum number of hours that can be worked in an average week. Numerous benefits have been cited in relation to this rule, specifically in the area of health and safety. One aim was the reduction in accidents or injuries suffered by fatigued workers.
By default, an employee is not allowed to work more than 48 hours a week on average over a 17-week period (which can be opted out of). In some roles (such as seafaring) this rule does not apply. In other roles different reference periods are used (trainee doctors 26-weeks, offshore oil and gas workers 52-week). There are specific rules which regulate the permitted working hours allowed for younger workers.
The calculator below can be used to generate a pattern of weekly hours over a number of weeks. The hours in individual weeks can then modified individually. The average will be recalculated as changes are made.
Average Working Hours
Weekly Work Pattern Information
Enter a basic weekly work pattern and the length of the pattern.
The tool will generate all the weeks based on the pattern. You are then able to set the hours for individual weeks.
Working Weeks and Average Hours
Additional Information
External Resources
The following links provide additional information. The links are to pages on websites over which we have no control. This information is provided for reference only.
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