Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway to career success, but understanding the legal framework surrounding working hours is crucial for both apprentices and employers.
Apprentices bring in approximately £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period. However, as an employer it is important to align with legal guidelines regarding how many hours an apprentice can work.
This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to apprentice working hours in the UK, covering everything from daily and weekly limits to rest breaks, holiday entitlement, and the specific regulations that apply to apprentices of different ages.
Whether you're an apprentice looking to understand your rights or an employer seeking clarity on compliance, this guide will provide the information you need.
How many hours can an apprentice work if they are over 18?
Apprentices over the age of 18 work the same amount of regular employees.
How many hours can an apprentice work per day?
Apprentices work an average of 8 hours a day calculated over a 17-week period. This law is designed to prevent people from being overworked.
This means that while you might work longer hours on some days, your total hours over those 17 weeks should average out to no more than 8 hours per day. Importantly, your employer cannot force you to agree to work beyond these limits, if you choose to work overtime that is at your own discretion.
How many hours can an apprentice work a week?
Apprentices can work a maximum average of 48 hours per week, calculated over a 17-week period as a general rule. Of course, they can work more hours one week than another, however, when calculated over a 17 week period, it must average to 48 hours per week.
Did you know you can do an apprenticeship at any age? Read more about it in our blog!
How many hours can an apprentice work if they are under 18?
For apprentices under 18 in the UK, working hours are more strictly regulated than for those over 18. The law prioritises their well-being and development.
How many hours can an under 18 apprentice work per day?
Apprentices under 18 cannot work more than 8 hours in a single day. This is a firm limit and isn't subject to averaging out over a 17 week period.
How many hours can an under 18 apprentice work a week?
Apprentices under 18 are limited to a maximum of 40 working hours per week. Again, this is a fixed limit and cannot be exceeded. It's important to note that these limits apply to all work, including any overtime. Therefore, overtime is not permitted for apprentices under 18.
There are very specific situations where your employer might ask you to work longer hours, even if you're under 18. This is only allowed if one of the following conditions are met:
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First, there must be no one aged 18 or older available to do the work.
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Second, the extra hours must be necessary due to a sudden surge in demand or to maintain essential services.
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Finally, and crucially, their education or training must not be negatively impacted by these extra hours.
What breaks are apprentices entitled to?
Apprentices are entitled to a minimum of 20 minutes. Tthe following is a breakdown of the required rest periods, separated by age:
Apprentices aged 18 and over:
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Daily Rest Break: A minimum of 20 minutes when working more than 6 hours in a day.
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Between Workdays Rest: 11 hours of rest between finishing one workday and starting the next.
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Weekly Rest: 24 hours of rest every 7 days, or 48 hours of rest every 14 days.
Apprentices aged 17 and under:
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Daily Rest Break: A minimum of 30 minutes when working more than 4.5 hours in a day.
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Between Workdays Rest: 12 hours of rest between finishing one workday and starting the next.
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Weekly Rest: 48 consecutive hours of rest each week. In exceptional circumstances where this isn't possible due to legitimate business needs, at least 36 consecutive hours of rest must be provided, with the remaining 12 hours taken as soon as possible afterwards.
What annual leave are apprentices entitled to?
Apprentices in the UK are entitled to the same annual leave as other employees, which is a minimum of 20 days. This means they must receive at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year.
However, it's important to note that this can be expressed in different ways:
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20 days plus bank holidays: Many employers express this as 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.
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Pro-rata: If an apprentice works part-time, their holiday entitlement will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Are apprentices entitled to weekends off?
Although apprentices are entitled to rest days, it is not guaranteed this rest day will be a weekend. Many jobs require weekend shifts, and apprentices may have to work them.
Choose Total People for your apprenticeship programme
Total People is an apprenticeship training provider, offering comprehensive support for both apprentices and employers, ensuring a smooth and compliant apprenticeship journey. We offer a diverse range of apprenticeships across numerous sectors. Contact us today to find the perfect apprentice for your business and discover the benefits they can bring.