Staff hours and rest break checker
Enter one person's shifts for the week to see their total hours and check them against the main UK working-time rules: a 20-minute break when working more than 6 hours, 11 hours' rest between working days, and the 48-hour average week. Under-18s have stricter limits.
Enter one person's shifts for a week. Nothing is sent or saved.
Enter at least one shift.
What it checks
| Rule | Adults | Under 18s |
|---|---|---|
| Rest break during the day | 20 minutes if working more than 6 hours | 30 minutes if working more than 4.5 hours |
| Rest between working days | 11 hours | 12 hours |
| Maximum hours | 48 a week on average (opt-out allowed) | 8 a day, 40 a week (no opt-out) |
The example already filled in shows the classic pub problem: a Friday close at 1am followed by an 11am start on Saturday leaves only 10 hours' rest.
Catch it while you write the rota
Checking after the rota's published means awkward swaps. ShiftComplete builds the rota with split shifts and staff areas, shows hours per person and labour cost as you go, and records clock-in times so you can see hours actually worked. Read the full UK working time rules for hospitality.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 48-hour limit per week?
It's an average, normally worked out over 17 weeks, so one long week isn't on its own a breach. Adult workers can opt out of the 48-hour limit in writing. Workers under 18 can't opt out and are limited to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.
How long between shifts do staff need?
Adult workers are entitled to 11 hours' rest in a row between working days, plus 24 hours uninterrupted rest each week (or 48 hours each fortnight). A late close followed by an early open is the classic way rotas break this. Young workers get 12 hours between working days and 48 hours a week off.
When is a break needed?
Adults working more than 6 hours in a day are entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute rest break during the day, not at the start or end. Young workers get 30 minutes if they work more than 4.5 hours. Whether breaks are paid depends on the contract.
Is this legal advice?
No. It checks a rota against the main statutory rules on GOV.UK. Some rules have exceptions and contracts can be more generous. ACAS can help with specific cases.
Sources
- Rest breaks at work (GOV.UK)
- Maximum weekly working hours (GOV.UK)
- Rest breaks at work: young workers (GOV.UK)
Checked 26 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.