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UK Rest Break Calculator

Enter your shift and age to see the rest break position that generally applies under the Working Time Regulations, and how much break you have already taken.

Different rules apply to workers under 18, and some sectors have their own arrangements.

UK Rest Break Calculator

Results update as you type. Nothing you enter is stored.

Results

Shift length
9 hours 0 minutes
Minimum rest break
20 minutes
Break taken
20 minutes
Shortfall
None
Worker type
Aged 18 or over

Adults are entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute break when working more than 6 hours, plus 11 hours daily rest. Contracts can be more generous.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose whether the worker is 18 or over.
  2. Enter the shift start and end times.
  3. Enter any break already taken to see what may still be outstanding.

How the calculation works

  • Adults working more than six hours are generally entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes.
  • Workers under 18 working more than four and a half hours are generally entitled to at least 30 minutes.
  • Daily and weekly rest figures are shown alongside so the whole picture is visible.

Example calculation

Inputs

  • Adult worker
  • 09:00 to 18:00
  • 20 minutes taken

Result

  • 9 hour shift
  • 20 minute rest break normally applies
  • 0 minutes outstanding

Things to keep in mind

  • Special rules apply to some sectors, including transport, security, hospitals and shift handovers.
  • Contracts can give more generous breaks than the minimum, and many do.
  • These results are for general guidance. See our disclaimer — this is not legal, tax or financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long a break for an 8 hour shift in the UK?

An adult working more than six hours is normally entitled to at least a 20 minute uninterrupted rest break. Many employers give longer.

Do I get a break on a 6 hour shift?

The statutory rest break generally applies to shifts of more than six hours, so a shift of exactly six hours usually falls outside it.

Must breaks be paid?

There is no general requirement to pay rest breaks. Whether yours is paid depends on your contract.

Related calculators

UK Hours Between Times Calculator Find the exact time between any two clock times, including across midnight. UK Shift Hours Calculator Calculate gross shift length, total breaks and net paid time, including overnight shifts. UK Weekly Working Hours Calculator Add up a week of hours from a daily pattern and compare it with the 48-hour weekly limit. UK Working Hours With Break Calculator Separate paid and unpaid breaks to see exactly which hours you are paid for.