New job - working hours and breaks ?

[wombat girl]

I just got a new job

Can some one explain hours to me.

I have to work 37.5 and have 5 x 30 min lunches (unpaid) which adds up to 40 hours a week and I have calculated the shifts to fit the above.

However I have been advised I also get 2 x 15 minute paid breaks per day. Does this mean I now have to add another 2.5 hours a week to my shift or is this included in the 37.5 working hours

I have never worked where there are breaks except for lunch so I am a bit clueless - any advice would be good.

[WhereIBelong]

Paid breaks are included in your working day - it is good practice for an employer to allow breaks roughly half way through each "half day" shift - the chance to take them is often rather less than you may imagine though - depending on the job.

[duchy]

I get a lunch break which is unpaid and two 15 minute paid breaks per day. It's pretty common.

[clairemca]

Yes the breaks if paid are included in the 37.5 hrs. I work 37.5 hrs per week 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday with two 15 minutes paid break and 30 minutes unpaid break per day.

[lizzie145]

it will depend on your contract and the common practice there.
I only get a lunch break (unpaid) so work 9 to 5 and get paid 7 hours. However we can get a drink whenever we want and take it back to our desks.

Some companies will not allow food and drink in the work area so provide extra paid breaks like you describe. so you would work 9 to 5 with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break so a 7.5hour day.

[Taffy1959]

I work a 30 hour week and this is what I currently get break wise

Wednesday 6am-1.30pm 20 mins paid
Same on Thursday
Friday 2pm-9pm 30 mins unpaid
Saturday 8am-5pm 15 mins paid and 30 mins unpaid.

However the company are planning to change all our contracts and we will lose all paid breaks amongst other things

[wombat girl]

I have started the new job and I do get 2 x 15 mins breaks paid each day So I am happy - thanks everyone.