Why are these rules in place?
They’re there purely to protect you, keep you safe, and prevent burnout. Everyone has a right to a certain amount of rest between shifts (and breaks during shifts) and these rights are protected under the Working Time Directive (WTD).
What’s the maximum number of hours I can work in a week?
It depends what you’ve chosen. The standard limit is 48 hours per week. However, if you’ve opted out of the 48-hour week, the app caps your hours at a maximum of 60 hours per week, for your safety and wellbeing.
What happens if I go over those limits?
If you attempt to go over the 48 or 60 hour limit (depending on what you’ve chosen), then the app will block you from booking any further shifts that week - displaying the ‘Booking Restricted’ message.
What if I try to book more than 7 consecutive days of shifts?
The same rules apply as when you go over the weekly hours limit — the app will block your booking and you’ll see the ‘Booking Restricted’ message.
You must take 24 hours’ rest every 7 days.
This in line with WTD regulations, which state that you must:
- Take one full day off (24 hours) every week
OR - Take two full days off (48 hours) every fortnight
*Please note: this is monitored on a rolling basis, week by week.
Who’s responsible for monitoring this?
In short – both yourself and Flex are responsible.
You’re responsible for managing your own schedule and ensuring you’re taking rest breaks so that your health and wellbeing are prioritised. Remember — you’re not obliged to accept shifts. You’re also responsible for managing your Flex shift bookings alongside any bookings you make on other platforms - we can’t monitor that.
As the employment business, Flex will ensure that you take all mandatory rest periods between shifts, and aren’t breaching the maximum hours limit. If a shift booking would cause you to exceed this limit, the app will prevent that booking from going through.
Do any other rules apply in relation to getting enough rest?
Yes.
Daily rest: you must allow for at least 11 hours between any shift of significant length within any 24-hour period.
Shift breaks: You must have a 20-minute break if your shift is longer than 6 hours.
This is protected under the Working Time Directive, as a bare minimum.
Do the same rules apply to drivers?
Rules for drivers are slightly more specific. The maximum shift length is 11 hours (10 hours driving), and you must have 11 hours of rest between shifts.
What about students?
During term time, students are restricted to 10 or 20 hours per week (including all paid/unpaid work).
Full-time work is only allowed during holidays or after your course ends, with official proof from your education provider.
*Please note: Indeed Flex is not liable for any breaches of your individual visa conditions.
How can I make allowances for these rules?
Review all of your upcoming bookings, to ensure you’ve allowed for rest days and breaks, and note all of your shifts down on your phone calendar – setting reminders to take those breaks.