legal hours?

Re: legal hours?

siobhan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:49:49 GMT

i did try to sleep but we had a few animals in that needed watching often, like an older cat with breathing difficulties and a sizuring cat :-(

But ill have a look around see what I can find out

Re: legal hours?

Dawn Seabrook — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:35:48 GMT

Working time directive is very complex but the basic jist is that no more than 20hrs should be worked in one continuous stretch however there is some grey area as to if you are actually working or doing what they set out as "active on call" also you should have 11hours of uninterupted rest between shifts. The thing that complicates this all is that all of these rules are averaged over a 17week period so if it is a one off they may be able to get away with it but as a regular thing the govement website is a pretty good surce of info:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10029426

Re: legal hours?

Lisa Whitehouse — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:47:55 GMT

Any chance of sleeping whilst on night duty?? may be a comprimise for the interim till you sort out the hours.

Re: legal hours?

siobhan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:36:40 GMT

Im on the citizens advice atm, also the BVNA about joining, I mean even if i find out that what i can do about it, I dont no how to go about it. if that makes sense?
Im still a bit tired and have been up erm 3 hours so forgive me if i make no sense!!

Re: legal hours?

Caro Laithwaite VN — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:29:42 GMT

Also can contact citizens advice or ACAS

Re: legal hours?

Louise B — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:13:59 GMT

[quote user="Reptile Queen"]

They recently made a big deal about us doing 9 hours and having 1 hour for lunch, instead of the 8 hours with half hour for lunch. But then expect me to work a long shift like that? Im not a memeber of the BVNA but it sounds like I should be !

Fair enough I was the on call nurse, but also i dont think im experienced enough to do a night shift on my own as the vet spent most the night upstairs in bed!

[/quote]

Macabre LOL. Yes - I had heard about those changes and know of the practice. You aren't the first nurse to experience those hours at your practice! I would join the BVNA just for the advice.

Re: legal hours?

siobhan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:08:39 GMT

Re: legal hours?

Louise B — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:05:40 GMT

No way. They are taking the p*ss!!! Are you a member of the BVNA? They will give you advice on employment law plus if you google this site for working time directive stuff you'll find plenty of food for thought!