If I Work 6 Hours, What Break Do I Get in the UK?
UK break rules explained clearly, including what counts and when breaks are paid.
The short answer
Under UK working time rules, workers are generally entitled to a 20-minute uninterrupted rest break if their working day is longer than 6 hours. If you work exactly 6 hours, the legal entitlement doesn't kick in.
Is the break paid?
Not necessarily. The law gives you the right to the break, but whether it's paid depends on your contract. Check yours, because this changes your pay for a 12-hour shift.
Other rest rules
- A rest period of 11 hours between working days
- One day off a week (or two per fortnight)
- An average weekly limit of 48 hours, unless you've opted out. This generally applies across all your jobs combined, which matters if you work for several companies.
What counts as full time?
There is no legal definition. Employers commonly treat about 35 to 40 hours a week as full time, but your contract is what counts.
How many hours do I actually work?
Add up your shifts, subtract unpaid breaks, and include every job. A quick formula:
Hours worked = (finish time − start time) − unpaid break
Example: a night shift from 6pm to 6am with a 30-minute unpaid break is 11.5 hours.
If you work several jobs, it's easy to lose count. A tracker that totals your hours across companies gives you an honest weekly number.
Rules can change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK for the current position.
Lose count of your hours across jobs? Shiftaan records each shift and break so you always know your real weekly total. Try it free.
