Jersey's employment laws set out the rules for working hours, overtime, and rest periods to protect employees' well-being and ensure fair treatment. Understanding these regulations is crucial for employers operating in Jersey to maintain compliance and foster a positive work environment. These regulations cover various aspects of working time, including standard hours, overtime pay, rest breaks, and record-keeping requirements.
This guide provides a detailed overview of Jersey's working time regulations as of 2025, covering standard working hours, overtime, rest entitlements, and employer obligations.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
Jersey law does not specify a statutory maximum number of standard working hours per week. Instead, employment contracts typically define the standard workweek. However, the law does set limits on maximum weekly working hours, including overtime, as detailed below.
- There is no statutory limit on standard daily working hours.
- The maximum weekly working time, including overtime, is generally 48 hours, averaged over a 17-week reference period.
- Employees can agree in writing to work more than 48 hours per week, but this agreement must be voluntary and cannot be a condition of employment.
- Young workers (under 18) have stricter limits: generally, they cannot work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
While there is no legal requirement to pay overtime, it is common practice for employers to compensate employees for hours worked beyond their standard workweek, as defined in their employment contract.
- There is no statutory overtime rate mandated by Jersey law.
- Overtime pay rates are typically agreed upon in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. Common rates include 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for overtime hours and 2 times the regular hourly rate for work on public holidays.
- Employers must clearly define their overtime policy in writing and communicate it to employees.
- Some employment contracts may offer compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay. The rate at which this time off is accrued should be clearly defined.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Jersey law mandates specific rest periods and break entitlements to ensure employee well-being and prevent fatigue.
- Employees are entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours.
- Employees are entitled to a minimum weekly rest period of 24 consecutive hours. This is typically taken on a Sunday.
- There is no statutory entitlement to paid breaks during the working day. However, employers often provide unpaid meal breaks.
- Young workers (under 18) are entitled to a 30-minute rest break if their working day is longer than 4.5 hours.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Jersey law does not have specific regulations regarding night shift work or weekend work beyond the general requirements for rest periods and maximum working hours.
- Employers must ensure that night shift workers receive the same rest entitlements as other employees (11 hours daily rest, 24 hours weekly rest).
- If weekend work is required, employers should consider providing additional compensation or time off to employees.
- Employers should conduct risk assessments for night shift work to identify and mitigate potential health and safety hazards.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Jersey have a legal obligation to keep accurate records of employees' working time to ensure compliance with working time regulations.
- Employers must keep records of employees' start and finish times, including any breaks taken.
- Records must be kept for at least two years.
- Employers must make these records available to employees upon request.
- Failure to maintain accurate records can result in penalties.
- Electronic timekeeping systems are permitted, provided they accurately record working time and are accessible to both employers and employees.
