EWTD
The European Working Time Directive (EWTD), Directive 2003/88/EC, is a directive of the European Union to protect the health and safety of workers in the European Union. It lays down minimum requirements in relation to working hours, rest periods, annual leave for all workers and working arrangements for night workers. The original Directive, Directive 93/104/EC was enacted in UK law as the Working Time Regulations, which took effect from 1 October 1998.
The main features of the EWTD are :
- a limit of an average of 48 hours work per week (workers can choose to work more if they want to)
- a limit of an average of 8 hours work in 24 for nightworkers
- a right for night workers to receive free health assessments
- a right to 11 hours rest a day
- a right to a day off each week or two days off every week
- a right to an in-work rest break if the working day is longer than six hours
- a right to four weeks paid leave per year
Note: If you feel you are being asked to contravene the EWTD please notify your FTPD who will take appropriate action.
The EWTD originally did not apply to doctors in training (junior doctors) but the Amending Directive, Directive 2000/34/EC removed this exclusion so that:
- by August 2004 average working time did not exceed 58 hours per week
- by August 2007 there will be a 56 hour week
- by August 2009 there will be a 48 hour week although this could be extended to 2012 with a maximum of 52 hours
Quoted from the website: NHS Health Management
Read the London Deanery Guidance - Guide to Doctors Working Hours and Monitoring for further information.
