Shift changes
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I drive a 26-tonne six-wheel rigid. Normally, I work five or six shifts a week, either Sunday to Friday or Sunday to Saturday. My employer has suggested that we work seven shifts within six 24-hour periods on an occasional basis, probably every four to five weeks. lam not very keen on this and I am not sure it would be legal. Can you advise?
Derek Houghton St Helens, Lancashire Whatyour employer is proposing could be legal as the law states that a weekly rest must be taken after six daily driving periods, or it may be postponed until the end of the 6th day provided the total driving time over the six days does not exceed the maximum permissible.
While there is no weekly driving limit as such, it is possible to drive up to a maximum of 56 hours between weekly rest periods, provided that the total of 90 hours is not exceeded in any one fortnight. It should also be borne in mind that the maximum amount of work allowed under the Working Time Regulations is 60 hours a week.
In addition, it may be that any change to your working hours affects your contract of employment so you may have a remedy on that basis.