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CHECKING A ROTA FOR COMPLIANCE
The methods outlined below will help to determine whether a rota complies with the Working
Time Regulations relating to daily and weekly rest provisions.
1. Draw the Rota
Show each day of the week divided into 24 hours (a spreadsheet or graph paper is useful, or a
table as shown below) and mark in the periods of working time (shown below). Remember
that periods when a worker is waiting ‘on call’ at his/her workplace counts as working time.
Do a complete rotation, i.e. if the rota repeats every 3 weeks, map out each day of the
complete 3 week cycle, sticking sheets end to end.
Before marking in the 24 hour periods it is necessary to bear in mind:
 Daily rest - workers must receive 11 hours consecutive rest (12 for young workers) in each
24 hours during which work is done.
 Weekly rest must also be given – a break of 24 consecutive hours in each 7 day period
(Monday to Friday) during which work is done, or two 24 hour breaks in each 14 day period,
or one 48 hour break in each 14 day period (young workers must receive one 48 hour break
in each 7 day period). This is in addition to daily rest, and must not overlap with it.
 Average weekly hours in each rota should not exceed 48 (for young workers hours worked
must not exceed 8 hours each day/40 hours each week).
Further information relating to rest breaks can be found within the Rest Break Factsheet.
 If work is undertaken during night time (as defined within the Night Workers Factsheet)
check whether workers count as night workers.
Further information relating to night workers and their working limits can be found within the
Night Workers Factsheet.
 When amending a rota it is necessary to consult with employees and unions, and
inform a member of HR&OD.
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2a. Check for Compliance (consecutive 24 hour periods)
Outline the consecutive 24 hour periods on the rota (or use a clear overlay, such as an
overhead projector slide, marking on the 24 hour periods) and examine how many hours are
allocated to working time and rest time within the 24 hours. The 24 hour period can start at
any time and must be applied consistently, which can affect whether the rota complies or not.
In the example below, the 24 hour periods run from 2am. The green area reflects hours
worked, and the blue area shows the 11 hour rest break for the 24 hour period from 2am
Thursday – 2am Friday. The orange 24 hour block marks the weekly 24 hour rest period. The
yellow and pink blocks mark the consecutive 24 hour periods.
1st
24 hour
period
24 hour
weekly
rest break
2nd
24 hour
period
11 hour
daily rest
break
working
time
If it is not possible to put a daily rest break in each 24-hour period where work is done, try
starting the 24 hour periods at a different time (e.g. at 7am instead of 2am).
 Ensure one of the weekly rest period options, as detailed above, is also included and
marked on the rota.
If you are unsure whether a rota you have created complies with the Working Time
Regulations, a member of HR&OD can be contacted to discuss how this can be achieved.
An example rota using consecutive 24 hour periods can be viewed here.
A blank rota template can be viewed here.
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2b. Check for Compliance (non-consecutive 24 hour periods)
Outline 24-hour periods, ensuring blocks of work and sufficient ‘daily rest’ are contained within
each. The 24-hour periods need not be consecutive and can be separated with hours of ‘nonworking time’.
The green area reflects hours worked, and the blue area shows the 11 hour rest break for the
24 hour period from 9am Monday – 9am Tuesday. The yellow and pink blocks mark the nonconsecutive 24 hour periods.
1st
24 hour
period
11 hour
daily rest
break
working
time
2nd
24 hour
period
 Ensure one of the weekly rest period options, as detailed above, is also included and
marked on the rota.
If you are unsure whether a rota you have created complies with the Working Time
Regulations, a member of HR&OD can be contacted to discuss how this can be achieved.
A blank rota template can be viewed here.
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