Employment and social security

Breaks and daily or weekly rest

A short interval between shifts, a missed break or consecutive days on duty may trigger an inspection notice. Overnight shifts need particular care when reading calendar dates.

What to check in your case

We match rotas to actual hours and identify each rest period. We check the sector rules for any exception, its justification and whether compensatory rest was taken.

Documents for your defence

Full notice or decision, front and back, and evidence of the date of service.

  • Rotas for days before and after the alleged breach
  • Records of breaks, shift cover and compensatory rest

Legislation and official sources

Information checked on 7 November 2026.