National Context

The European Working Time Directive was enacted in UK law as the Working Time Regulations from 1 October 1998.

The EWTD has applied to the vast majority of employees since 1998, with a few exceptions including doctors in training. In 2004, the EWTD provisions were extended to doctors in training whose maximum working hours were reduced to 56 by August 2007 and to 48 hours from August 2009.

The main features of the directive are:

• 48 hour maximum working week;
• 11 hours continuous rest in 24 hours;
• 24 hours continuous rest in 7 days (or 48 hrs in 14 days);
• 20 minute break in work periods of over 6 hours;
• 4 weeks annual leave; and
• (for night workers) an average of no more than 8 hours work in 24 over the reference period.

Nationally, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology are recognised as two of the most difficult areas in which to achieve EWTD compliance. This was recognised by the Network in the consultation and proposals for a modern safe and sustainable redesign of children, young people and maternity services.