The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) is a directive from the Council of European Union (93/104/EC) to protect the health and safety of workers in the European Union. It lays down minimum requirements in relation to working hours, rest periods, annual leave and working arrangements. The Directive was enacted in UK law and took effect from 1 October 1998. It has applied to both consultants and non-consultant career grades since implementation. However, doctors in training were exempted until August 2004, when a phased reduction from 58 hours to 48 hours in 2009 applied. The working time regulations place a legal requirement on employers and build on the progress made through the New Deal. Contracts requiring doctors in training to work outside the Regulations are now illegal.

Key aspects

• No more than 48 hours per week, averaged over a reference period

• 11 hours' continuous rest in 24 hours

• 24 hours continuous rest in 7 days (or 48 hours in 14 days)

• 20-minute break in work periods of over 6 hours

• 4 weeks' annual leave

• For night workers, an average of no more than 8 hours' work in 24 over the reference period.