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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Emma Munbodh

It's 'National go home on time' day at work today so remember to tell your boss

It's the longest day of the year, but for many, it could end up being their shortest one in the office, thanks to a national celebration in honour of going home on time.

That's right, a campaign raising awareness of that all important work life balance falls today, and it wants you to realise that finishing work on time should be the norm, not the exception.

Workers in the UK put in some of the longest hours in Europe - raking up £31 billion worth of unpaid overtime a year.

It really is dedication to the job - with an estimated 5 million people now working seven hours a week or more a week without any extra pay.

And that's before you factor in checking emails before bed and answering calls on your commute to the office.

But all is not lost.

In news that will make employees and clock-watchers all over the country rejoice - it's National go home on time day.

Yes, your weekend has crept just that little bit closer.

And, if your boss isn't aware of this scheme, or if they're wilfully ignoring it, feel free to send this on to them, and look forward to an extra few hours in the pub.

How much overtime do you work?

If you think you're going well above your weekly threshold, calculate your hours below to work out how much you could be losing in earnings.

How many hours should I be working?

The government's Working Time Regulations determine the maximum weekly working time, patterns of work and holidays, plus the daily and weekly rest periods for workers in Britain.

It also cover the health and working hours of night workers.

These regulations apply to both part time or full-time workers, including the majority of agency workers and freelancers.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) says the Working Time Regulations provide rights to:

  • A limit of an average 48 hours a week on the hours a worker can be required to work, though individuals may choose to work longer by "opting out".

  • Paid annual leave of 5.6 weeks' a year

  • 11 consecutive hours' rest in any 24-hour period

  • A 20-minute rest break if the working day is longer than six hours

  • One day off each week

  • A limit on the normal working hours of night workers to an average eight hours in any 24-hour period, and an entitlement for night workers to receive regular health assessments.

There are special regulations for young workers, which restrict their working hours to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. The rest break is 30 minutes if their work lasts more than 4.5 hours. They are also entitled to two days off each week.

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