Search all content on GOV.UK

Workers' rights to rest breaks at work - length of breaks, how your age affects rest breaks, exceptions to the rules for shift workers, young people, and drivers.

• Overview

  Workers over 18 are usually entitled to 3 types of break: rest breaks at…

• Taking breaks

  Employers can say when employees take rest breaks during work time as long…

• Compensatory rest

  Workers may be entitled to ‘compensatory rest’ if they do not have the…

• Exceptions

  Workers are not entitled to the 3 general types of rest break if they work…

• Young workers

  Young workers (above school leaving age and under 18) are usually entitled…

• Disputes

  Workers who cannot take or are not allowed rest breaks should speak to…

• Updated: 2 May 2011

Career breaks - eligibility and notice periods, contract terms and conditions.

How to end a commercial lease early, what happens if you break the terms of your lease, use a clause in your agreement

Employment status (worker, employee, self-employed, director or contractor) affects employment rights and employer responsibilities in the workplace

Government to end study visas from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, and work visas for Afghans.

• Updated: 26 March 2026

What you can do if your goods or vehicle are seized by Border Force or HM Revenue and Customs - get your things back or disagree with a customs seizure

What happens if you're stopped by the police while driving - breath tests, motoring offences, faults with your vehicle, seizing your vehicle

Families across the country will be better protected from energy crises, as government moves to break link between gas and electricity prices.

• Updated: 21 April 2026

Marks Electrical must refund nearly 40,000 customers and pay a fine after it automatically opted customers into additional paid services.

• Updated: 18 June 2026