Working Time Directive

The Working Time Directive average 48 hour week has applied to doctors in training since 1st August 2009. The minimum rest requirements, including 11 hours of rest in every 24, have applied to doctors in training since 2004 when the directive started to be phased in 2009 to protect their health and safety.

Skills for Health - Workforce Projects Team supported the NHS in meeting this challenge, by appointing a suite of pilot projects, developed a range of publications, hosted national and regional events, gave targeted support, worked across organisational boundaries and applied a range of knowledge management methods to disseminate learning throughout the NHS.

Many of these pilots and projects have demonstrated sustainable methods to improve patient safety, and to safeguard the quality of training and the work/life balance for junior doctors.

The programme of work completed in March 2010, now provides lasting evidence of the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by individuals and healthcare organisations throughout the NHS in meeting the 1st August deadline. It contains case studies and good practice examples, resources and publications illustrating the innovative solutions, new ways of working, challenges faced and successful approaches in the countdown to and implementation of the Working Time Directive.

Please note:

Thank you for visiting the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) 2009 section of the healthcare workforce portal.

As of March 2010, Skills for Health's involvement in supporting the implementation of the directive ceased, meaning unfortunately we are no longer in a position to offer advice or answer questions relating to EWTD.

We have been asked to forward queries to the Department of Health. Their contact details can be found here.

The EWTD section remains current and relevant information, illustrating examples of work and good practice.

: Programme Management
In August 2004 the Working Time Directive (WTD) came into force to protect the health and safety of doctors in training by restricting hours worked

: Projects
As part of the work to develop solutions for WTD 2009, Skills for Health - Workforce Projects Team has commissioned a range of pilots that will explore new ways of working and their impact on the compliance with the directive.

: Calling Time
Calling Time was the the Working Time Directive publication, produced by Skills for Health – Workforce Projects Team, which was circulated across the NHS every two months.

: Case Studies
Trusts across the country are developing new ways of working and introducing new ideas to help them achieve compliance with WTD 2009. This case study section brings together a range of examples from that might be of interest to you in your own planning work.

: Challenges
There was no one size fits all solution to achieving WTD compliance, however, there were a number of challenges critical to the successful achievement of a 48 hour working week for doctors in training.

: Hospital at Night and 24/7
Skills for Health - Workforce Project Team sponsored pilots for Taking Care 24:7, that looked at new ways of working for healthcare services over the full 24 hour day. These services built on the successful Hospital at Night approach and achieved improvements in the quality of patient care and productivity.

: In the media
News, information and events page for the European Working Time Directive. Here, you will find news reports, articles, event details, and event resources regarding EWTD.

: Resource Library

: WTD FAQs

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: Working Time Directive FAQs
Read a range of frequently asked questions, or submit your own.
Details here >>>

: Key resources

EWTD final report

New Deal and WTD Booklets