Is there a night premium?
No. There's no legal right to a higher rate for night work in the UK. Many employers pay one, so check your contract. Your average pay must still reach the minimum wage.
Who counts as a night worker
Night time is normally 11pm to 6am. You're a night worker if you regularly work at least 3 hours during that time.
Limits and health
- Night workers' normal hours shouldn't average more than 8 in every 24, usually over 17 weeks.
- Night workers doing hazardous or heavy work can't work more than 8 hours in any 24.
- You're entitled to a free health assessment before starting night work and regularly after.
- You still get 11 hours' rest between working days and a 20-minute break on shifts over 6 hours.
Overnight shifts and your records
A shift from 19:00 to 07:00 crosses midnight, which often trips up spreadsheets and payslip checks. Record the start date and both times, and make sure the hours (minus breaks) are counted correctly.
A worked example
A night shift from 7pm to 7am with a 1-hour unpaid break is 11 paid hours. At £12.71 with no premium, that's £139.81. With a premium of £2.00 an hour for hours between 10pm and 6am (8 hours), it's £155.81. Check whether your premium applies to the whole shift or only the hours inside a 'night' window.
Shifts that cross midnight
- Your payslip may split one shift across two dates, or two pay periods. Check both.
- If a bank holiday premium applies, a shift from 10pm on Christmas Eve to 6am on Christmas Day may only get the premium for the Christmas Day hours.
- A rate change (for example on 1 April) can apply part way through a night shift.
Your health
Night work is linked to sleep problems and other health risks. Your free health assessment is usually a questionnaire, with a follow-up if needed. If a doctor says night work is affecting your health, your employer should offer day work where possible.
Keep your own record
Keep a dated record of every shift on your phone with Shiftaan. It's the evidence you'll want if your pay is ever wrong. Try it.
Common questions
Do I have to be paid more for working nights?
No, there's no legal night premium. Check your contract for any enhanced rate.
How many hours can a night worker do?
Normal hours shouldn't average more than 8 in every 24, usually over 17 weeks.
Does a night premium cover the whole shift?
It depends on your contract. Some pay it for every hour of a night shift, others only for hours between set times such as 10pm and 6am.