Understanding the Daily and Weekly Rest Period
An Employer must give an employee a daily rest period of at least 12 consecutive hours, before the start of the next shift/working day. For employees who live on the premises at which the work is performed, or the workplace is situated and whose meal intervals lasts at least 3 hours, an agreement in writing (contract, or addendum to contract) may reduce said rest period to no less than 10 consecutive hours.
An Employee should in addition to the above, allow an Employee a weekly rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours and unless otherwise agreed, must include a Sunday. These rest periods can be agreed upon in writing (contract or addendum to contract) to be at least 60 consecutive hours in a two-week period, or one week’s rest period be reduced by up to eight hours in any week, if the rest period of the following week is extended equivalently.
This article aims to provide general information and does not constitute legal advice.
To arrange a consultation, for more information, with a member of our qualified team, contact Erin Steyn on 021 919 6418 or email erin@joblaw.co.za
