Working Time
Directive Explained

Last Updated: 13 February 2026

An authoritative regulation-based guide on rest periods, fatigue rules, and operational exemptions under Working Time Regulations 1998.

Notice: Independent explanatory guidance based on Working Time Regulations 1998 and Police Regulations 2003. Not legal advice.

Direct Answer

Can police officers be forced to work without rest?

Police officers are subject to the Working Time Regulations 1998, but with operational exemptions under Police Regulations 2003. Officers are normally entitled to 11 hours rest between shifts, at least 24 hours uninterrupted rest per week, and limits on excessive working hours — unless operational necessity lawfully overrides those protections.

Executive Summary

Police officers are not typical employees. While most UK workers are fully protected by the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR), policing operates under a hybrid system.

The Working Time Directive still applies — but with modifications due to the unique operational nature of policing.

This guide explains:

The 11-hour daily rest rule
Weekly rest requirements
The 48-hour average limit
Night work protections

Opt-out agreements
Fatigue and health & safety obligations
When operational necessity overrides protections
Whether you can legally be made to work 6 or 7 days in a row

This is regulation-based explanatory guidance.

Section 1

What Is the Working Time Directive?

The Working Time Directive originated in EU law and was implemented in the UK via the Working Time Regulations 1998.

Its core protections include:

Maximum 48-hour average working week
Minimum 11 hours daily rest
Minimum 24 hours uninterrupted weekly rest
Limits on night work
Entitlement to annual leave

For most workers, these rights are absolute unless voluntarily opted out.

For police officers, the position is more complex.

Section 2

Are Police Officers Exempt?

Police officers are not fully exempt from Working Time Regulations.

However, Regulation 21 of the WTR provides special status for emergency services.

The Key Principle:

Protections apply "so far as is possible" having regard to operational needs.

This means:

The Rights Exist

You are entitled to rest periods and protections.

But Operational Necessity Can Override

Emergency situations can lawfully modify rest requirements.

The Override Must Be Proportionate

Health and safety obligations still apply.

Police Regulations 2003 operate alongside the WTR framework.

Neither replaces the other.

Section 3

The 11-Hour Daily Rest Rule

Under Regulation 10 WTR:

Workers are entitled to 11 consecutive hours rest in every 24-hour period.

For police officers, this normally means:

If you finish at 22:00, you should not start before 09:00 the following day.

However, operational necessity can reduce this.

Example:

You finish at 22:00 after extended duty. A major incident requires recall at 05:00.

This may lawfully override the 11-hour rest rule.

But the force must:

Assess fatigue
Consider safety
Provide compensatory rest where possible

Compensatory rest means the rest missed should be given later.

Section 4

Weekly Rest Requirements

Regulation 11 WTR provides:

At least 24 uninterrupted hours per week
OR
48 hours per fortnight

Police officers often satisfy this via rest days.

However, rest days can be cancelled under Annex U of Police Regulations.

If rest is cancelled for operational necessity:

Compensatory Rest

Should be given at a later date.

Or Appropriate Compensation

Overtime payment under rest day working rules.

Repeated cancellation without compensatory rest may breach fatigue guidance.

Section 5

Can Police Work 6 or 7 Days in a Row?

Yes, legally this can occur.

But safeguards apply.

If you work 7 consecutive days:

Weekly rest must be provided later
Total average weekly hours must still comply
Fatigue risk must be assessed

Working 6 days in a row is not automatically unlawful.

Working 14+ days without compensatory rest likely raises serious compliance concerns.

See: Can Police Be Forced to Work 6 Days in a Row?

Section 6

The 48-Hour Average Week

Under WTR:

Average working time must not exceed 48 hours per week over a 17-week reference period.

Police officers may sign an opt-out.

Without Opt-Out

Forces must monitor average hours.

With Opt-Out

You agree to work beyond 48 hours.

Important:

Opting out does not remove rest period protections.

Section 7

Night Work Protections

Night workers are subject to:

8-hour average limits in 24-hour period (for hazardous roles)
Health assessments

Policing is safety-critical.

Fatigue during night shifts increases decision-making risk.

Forces must:

Conduct risk assessments
Consider rotation patterns
Monitor excessive consecutive nights

Section 8

Fatigue and Health & Safety Duty

Separate from WTR, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies.

Chief Officers have a statutory duty of care.

If fatigue leads to unsafe conditions:

The issue becomes a health and safety matter, not just a WTR issue.

Fatigue impairs reaction time, decision-making, conflict judgment, and use of force assessments.

The College of Policing and HSE recognise fatigue as a safety hazard.

Section 9

When Operational Necessity Overrides Rest

Operational necessity must be:

Genuine

Not routine staffing shortages.

Immediate

Unforeseeable or urgent.

Proportionate

Balanced against welfare.

Examples:

Major Public Disorder

Terror Incident

Large-Scale Emergency

Critical Incident

Spontaneous Crisis

Life Risk

Routine staffing shortages do not automatically justify repeated overrides.

Section 10

Practical Checklist

If required to breach rest:

1. Confirm Operational Necessity

Ensure the requirement is genuine and immediate.

2. State Any Fatigue Concerns

Clearly articulate if you are too tired to work safely.

3. Document Hours Worked

Keep a record of all hours and rest periods.

4. Request Compensatory Rest

Ask for missed rest to be reinstated.

5. Contact Federation if Pattern Becomes Chronic

Repeated breaches should be escalated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can police work 7 days in a row?

Yes, but compensatory rest must follow and fatigue must be considered. Working 7 consecutive days is lawful in exceptional operational circumstances, but safeguards apply.

Does the 11-hour rest rule apply to police?

Yes, but operational necessity can override it temporarily. Officers are normally entitled to 11 hours rest between shifts under Regulation 10 WTR, though this can be modified for operational needs.

Can I refuse if I am too tired?

If unfit to work safely, you must clearly state this. Refusal without justification may be misconduct, but genuine fatigue risk creating safety concerns is a valid ground.