To: All Mandate Members – Tesco, Nutgrove
Re: Break Entitlements
Date: Wednesday 13th October 2021
BREAK ENTITLEMENTS
Where do my break entitlements come from?
Your entitlement to breaks comes from the “Organisation of Working Time Act 1997”. This sets out the minimum rest breaks your Employer must give you. Your Union, Mandate Trade Union negotiates enhanced entitlements on your behalf, such as the 15 minute paid break (see below)
What are my break entitlements?
- Staff expected to work in excess of 4.5 hours are entitled to a 15 minute paid break.
- Example: If you work from 3pm-8pm you are entitled to a 15 minute paid break.
- Staff expected to work in excess of 6 hours are entitled to a 30 minute break (15 paid, 15 unpaid). This can be broken into two 15 minute breaks.
- Example: If you work from 4pm-10pm you are entitled to a 30 minute break. Your Manager could roster you for a break at 6:30pm (15mins paid) and a further break at 8:30pm (15mins unpaid) depending on the cover available. Alternatively you could be rostered for one 30 minute break.
- Staff expected to work in excess of 6 hours and between the hours of 11:30am and 2:30pm must take a 1 hour lunch break, this is separate to their 15 minute paid break.
- Example: If you start work at 7am you are entitled to a 15 minute paid break after 4½ hours, you are then entitled to a 1 hour break. Your 1 hour break must be taken between 11:30 and 2:30pm.
- You must receive an 11 hour rest break between shifts.
- Example: If you finish work at 11pm, you cannot start your next shift until at least 10am in the morning.
What if I do not receive the correct breaks?
If you are not receiving the correct rest breaks, approach your Line Manager in the first instance. If after doing this you still do not receive the correct breaks, please contact your Local Representative who will be able to assist you in lodging a grievance.