ClearSky Business Publishes Guide on Working Time Directive for Small Businesses

The article, originally published on the company’s popular blog, provides bosses with information which could help their small businesses avoid costly employment tribunals.

Around 50% of all tribunal claims lodged between April and June 2013 were caused by alleged breaches of the European Working Time Directive. These tribunals can be costly and a potential breach could also lead to an investigation, and potential prosecution, by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

But these aren’t the only reasons that small businesses benefit from a better understanding of WTD.
Sensible working hours can actually boost productivity, as well as morale. For this reason, many small business owners are embracing flexible working practices; which might include flexi-time or working from home. But in order to do this, employers must first understand the existing legislation.

That’s where ClearSky Business comes in.
In ‘How to Comply with the Working Time Directive’, ClearSky HR expert Juliet Byrne explains WTD guidelines like maximum working hours, break times and holiday entitlements.

Readers will find out exactly how many hours work time that employees can do each week; and also how this differs for workers who aren’t yet 18 years old. In addition, the article explains the breaks that staff are entitled to according to the length of their shift.

Night shifts earn a mention and there’s one point that bosses might be surprised to learn. Could they be entitled to pay for staff health assessments? Clearsky Business has the answers.

 There’s better news on holiday entitlements as Byrne explains the degree of control that businesses have over when staff take their holidays; and the amount of time they can take at once. A handy equation is included, which can be used to calculate holiday allowances for part time staff.

Employers have a number of legal obligations when it comes to planning work hours, breaks and holidays; but some decisions can be made at their discretion. The article explains in simple terms what bosses can and cannot control.
For Juliet Byrne, the most important factor is ensuring that each of these conditions is documented in a worker’s contract. She explains: “[A contract] helps your employees understand what is required of them, whilst helping you to plan your staffing resources and manage holiday requests.

“At ClearSky HR, our CIPD-qualified HR consultants provide small business owners with expert advice on a range of employment, HR and staff management issues.”

For more information on the Working Time Directive and a host of other regulations, call Clearsky Business on 0808 147 1921, email hrinfo@clearskybusiness.co.uk or visit www.clearskybusiness.co.uk/hr/.

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Jennifer Whittaker

Press Contact

ClearSky

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