Compliance with working time regulations is a fundamental aspect of managing employees in Cyprus. Understanding the legal framework governing standard hours, overtime, rest periods, and record-keeping is crucial for employers to ensure fair treatment of staff and avoid potential legal issues. These regulations are designed to protect employee health and safety by preventing excessive working hours and ensuring adequate rest.
Navigating these rules can be complex, especially for companies operating remotely or employing staff across different jurisdictions. Familiarity with the specific requirements in Cyprus helps businesses maintain operational efficiency while adhering to local labour laws, fostering a positive and compliant work environment.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek
In Cyprus, the standard working week is generally defined by collective agreements or employment contracts, but it must adhere to the limits set by the Working Time Act. The Act establishes maximum working hours to protect employees' health and safety.
The maximum average working time, including overtime, must not exceed 48 hours per week over a reference period. This reference period is typically four months, although collective agreements or specific sectors may allow for longer periods, up to six or twelve months under certain conditions.
While there isn't a single statutory standard workweek for all sectors, a common structure is 40 hours per week, spread over five or six days. However, the absolute limit on average weekly working time (including overtime) is the key legal constraint.
| Working Time Limit | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Maximum Average Weekly Hours | 48 hours (including overtime) |
| Standard Reference Period | 4 months |
| Extended Reference Period (Max) | 6 or 12 months (under specific conditions) |
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Work performed beyond the standard hours defined in an employment contract or collective agreement is considered overtime. While the Working Time Act sets the maximum average weekly hours, the compensation for overtime is primarily governed by collective agreements, individual employment contracts, or established company policy, provided it meets minimum legal standards if any exist for specific sectors.
There is no single statutory minimum overtime rate applicable to all employees in Cyprus. Overtime pay rates are typically higher than the standard hourly rate and are often calculated as a percentage increase (e.g., 125% or 150% of the standard rate) or as a fixed amount per hour. The specific rate depends heavily on the sector and applicable collective agreements.
Employers must ensure that any overtime worked does not cause the employee's average weekly working time to exceed the 48-hour limit over the reference period.
Rest Periods and Breaks
The Working Time Act mandates specific rest periods to ensure employees have adequate time off between shifts and during the workday.
- Daily Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest per 24-hour period.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest per seven-day period, in addition to the 11 hours of daily rest. This weekly rest period should ideally include Sunday. If operational reasons prevent this, an alternative rest day must be provided.
- Breaks: Employees working more than six hours are entitled to a rest break. The duration and timing of this break are often specified in collective agreements or employment contracts, but it must be sufficient to allow the employee to rest.
| Rest Period Type | Minimum Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Rest | 11 consecutive hours | Per 24-hour period |
| Weekly Rest | 24 consecutive hours | Per 7-day period, plus daily rest |
| Work Break | Sufficient break | For work periods exceeding 6 hours |
Night and Weekend Work Regulations
Specific rules apply to employees who regularly work during night hours or on weekends, particularly concerning health and safety and working time limits.
- Night Work: A night worker is typically someone who works at least three hours of their daily working time during the night period (defined as a period of at least seven hours, including the period between midnight and 5 a.m., as defined by national law or practice). The average working time for night workers must not exceed 8 hours per 24-hour period over a reference period. Night workers are also entitled to free health assessments before starting night work and at regular intervals thereafter.
- Weekend Work: While there isn't a blanket prohibition on weekend work, the weekly rest period entitlement ensures that employees receive adequate time off, ideally including Sunday. Compensation for weekend work is typically governed by collective agreements or contracts and may include higher rates of pay.
Working Time Recording Obligations
Employers in Cyprus have a legal obligation to maintain accurate records of their employees' working time. This is essential for demonstrating compliance with the Working Time Act, particularly regarding maximum weekly hours, daily and weekly rest periods, and night work limits.
The records should clearly show:
- The start and end times of each working day.
- Total hours worked each day and week.
- Any overtime hours worked.
- Rest periods taken.
These records must be kept up-to-date and accessible for inspection by the relevant authorities. Accurate record-keeping is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial tool for managing payroll, ensuring fair compensation, and resolving potential disputes regarding working hours.
