Working Time Directive
EU law setting limits on working hours and minimum rest and leave.
The Working Time Directive is EU legislation that protects workers by setting limits on working hours and guaranteeing minimum rest and leave. It caps average weekly working time, requires daily and weekly rest breaks, sets rules for night work, and guarantees paid annual leave.
In Ireland it is implemented mainly through the Organisation of Working Time Act, which employers must observe for scheduling, rest, holidays and record-keeping. The UK retained equivalent Working Time Regulations after leaving the EU.
Compliance requires reliable records of hours worked, correct handling of rest and leave entitlements, and care with sectors that have special rules. Employers should treat working-time limits as health and safety obligations, not merely administrative ones.
