Opting out of the Working Time Directive

This article contains instructions on how you can opt out of the Working Time Directive, and the situations in which it is advisable to do so

The Working Time Directive prevents employees from being forced to work for more than 48 hours in a week, unless they freely consent to opt out of the directive. To opt out of the 48-hour limit, your employees can sign an 'Agreement to opt out of the Working Time Directive'.

Once they have signed the document, an employee is then able to legally work longer hours for the employer, however opting out of the Working Time Directive must be voluntary and can be withdrawn by the employee after having entered into an opt-out agreement.

The information on this page applies to England and Wales only.

Start 'Agreement to opt out of the Working Time Directive' now

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