Guides › Work and Employment › The 48 Hour Week: Working Time Limits
The 48 Hour Week: Working Time Limits
You cannot be made to work more than 48 hours a week on average, normally worked out over 17 weeks. You can choose to opt out and work more. Workers under 18 cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Some jobs, such as the emergency services and the armed forces, are not covered.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Rules
The Limit
You cannot work more than 48 hours a week on average, normally averaged over 17 weeks. source
Opting Out
You can choose to work more by opting out of the 48 hour week. source
Young Workers
If you are under 18 you cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. source
Exceptions
Including jobs needing 24 hour staffing, the armed forces, emergency services and police, security and surveillance, and domestic service in a private household. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 17 weeksAveraging periodFor the 48 hour limit
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Keep a record of your hours.
Step 2 of 4
Check whether you signed an opt-out.
Step 3 of 4
Raise it with your employer if you are working more than the limit without agreeing.
Step 4 of 4
Get advice from Acas.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Acas Helpline
Free and confidential. 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Rules here are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own employment law, the Labour Relations Agency and industrial tribunals; see nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours/weekly-working-hours-and-rest Checked 15 October 2026
- acas.org.uk/contact Checked 8 October 2026