Working Time Regulations and secondary employment (Part 2a)

The Working Time Regulations (1998) and are a health and safety measure. They implement the European Working Time Directive, which is concerned with certain aspects of the regulation and organisation of working time.
The regulations provide the following rights and protections;

• A limit of an average of 48 hours a week which a worker can be required to work (though workers can agree to work more if they want to by signing an opt-out form which you will find below);
• A right to 11 hours rest a day;
• A right to a day off each week;
• A right to a 20 minute in-work rest break if the working day is longer than six hours. (In COPFS we have agreed with our trades unions that staff should have a 30 minute break if their working day is longer than six hours);
• A right to a period of paid leave per year

COPFS must take all reasonable steps to ensure that you do not work more than an average of 48 hours a week over a 17 week period. This applies to all employees, at all grades. 

As a further safeguard to your health and safety, we must identify employees who have additional jobs outside COPFS. 

If, to meet the needs of the business, or because of an additional job, it is not practical for you to work within the limits of the Working Time Directive, you can voluntarily agree to work in excess of the limit but you must complete an opt-out form below. 

You cannot be compelled to work in excess of the 48 hour limit. You should only seek to sign the opt-out form if this is your choice. 

The Civil Service Code, which applies to all civil servants, requires that they should not put themselves in a position where duty and private interests conflict, nor make use of their official position to further those interests.  Therefore we need you to tell us about any other employment you intend to do whilst also in employment with COPFS.