Is Saturday a Working Day in the UK? Working Weekend Laws Explained
Is Saturday a Working Day in the UK? Working Weekend Laws Explained
In the United Kingdom, the traditional business work week is understood to run from Monday to Friday, encompassing what are termed 'working days'. These are the days when most of the workforce engages in professional activities, typically between 9 am and 5 pm.
The concept of a working day is crucial for businesses and employees alike. It dictates schedules and deadlines and is also a reference point for statutory rights around work and pay.
In this article, we’ll explore Saturday as a work day in the UK and explain working weekend laws.
What is a working day in the UK?
A working day in the UK is any day when standard business operations are conducted. Traditionally, this includes Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.
The standard working hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Saturday's classification as a working day varies among businesses. While typically considered a non-working day, many sectors and companies now regard Saturday as a partial working day with altered hours of operation.
For example:
Banks: Most banks have traditionally been closed on Saturdays, but there has been a shift, with some now offering limited services on weekends.
Retail: Many retail businesses operate on Saturdays and extend their hours to cater to the weekend shopping crowd.
Concerning weekend work, Sunday is traditionally seen as a non-working day across the UK. However, those employed within industries that require Sunday operation may be entitled to premium pay, as UK employment law dictates.
Sunday working laws ensure that employees who work on this day receive sufficient protection and compensation.
Working hours on Sunday can differ significantly from those of the traditional workweek, often being shorter or requiring shift-based scheduling.
Individuals working on Sundays should always refer to their contract and the Working Time Regulations 1998 for their rights and employer obligations.
Further Reading: IR35
Is Saturday classed as a working day in the UK?
The determination of whether Saturday is regarded as a working day in the UK varies depending on the context and industry. For traditional business sectors and financial institutions, the standard working days are Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, also known as bank holidays.
For Banks:
Saturdays are generally not considered a working day for banks, meaning transactions and payments are not processed.
For Businesses:
While traditional business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, some companies extend their operations into Saturdays, offering full or reduced schedules. This can lead to Saturdays being considered a working day in those contexts.
Working hours vary for Saturday workers, and it is important to differentiate between standard working days for operational purposes and employee rights.
The legislation gives employees the right to a day off each week, which can include Saturdays, depending on the employer's work schedule.
What Types of Businesses Operate on Saturdays?
In the UK, Saturday is typically outside the traditional Monday to Friday workweek, but many businesses remain operational, catering to the weekend consumer demand.
Retail Stores
They open their doors widely on Saturdays, often with extended hours to accommodate shoppers who are off work.
Restaurants and Cafés
Food services thrive on weekends, with some even offering special weekend menus or brunch services to attract a leisurely dining crowd.
Entertainment Venues
Cinemas, museums, and theme parks are typically open to provide activities for families and individuals looking to enjoy their time off.
Healthcare Services
While many doctors’ offices are closed, certain healthcare providers like pharmacies and urgent care clinics maintain Saturday operations.
Real Estate Agencies
Housing viewings often occur on Saturdays, taking advantage of potential home buyers' availability.
Transport Services
Although schedules may vary, public transport systems usually run on Saturdays to support the mobility of those working or engaging in leisure activities.
Fitness Centers
Gyms and leisure centres stay open to capitalize on clients free to exercise over the weekend.
While Sunday is traditionally a day of rest, specific laws govern Sunday work.
Employees in the UK who work on Sundays may be entitled to premium pay, though this depends on their contract.
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 restricts opening hours for larger shops, but small shops can open all day.
Sunday working laws also allow workers to opt-out, with notice, if they prefer not to work on this day.
The typical working hours on Sundays are shorter, respecting the cultural norm of rest and family time.
Is Sunday a Working Day in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the traditional workweek spans Monday to Friday. Nonetheless, as working patterns have evolved, Sunday working has become more customary in specific sectors.
Whether an individual is expected to work on a Sunday depends on the nature of their role and the specifics of their employment contract.
Employment Contracts
Employees should always refer to their employment contracts to determine their obligations for Sunday work. The UK has no blanket rule making Sunday a compulsory working day for all employees.
Opt-out Clause
Shop and betting shop workers who started their employment before 26 August 1994 have the right to opt out of Sunday working unless contractually agreed otherwise.
What types of businesses operate on Sundays?
In the UK, several types of businesses operate on Sundays despite traditionally being considered a day of rest.
Retailers are a primary example; under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, large shops over 280 square metres can open for up to 6 hours between 10 am and 6 pm. Smaller retailers can open all day.
Hospitality services like restaurants, cafes, and bars often operate within regular hours, providing food and leisure to customers.
Tourism-related businesses, such as museums, galleries, and entertainment venues, usually remain open to cater to visitors, particularly in areas with high tourist footfall.
Some convenience stores and corner shops are also open to meet local needs, often run by independent or family-owned businesses.
For essential services, such as hospitals and public transportation. Pharmacies often operate on a rota, ensuring the public can access medications and consultations.
Moreover, online companies and customer support centres may provide services 24/7, making Sunday operations quite standard in these sectors.
Notably, in contrast to the regular Monday-to-Friday working week, many businesses on Sundays may work with reduced staff or altered hours.
The shift towards a more flexible economy reflects the changing habits of consumers who expect services to be available at their convenience.
Further Reading: Contracted Hours vs Actual Hours
What is the working weekends' law in the UK? 5 key provisions you should know in 2024
In the UK, weekend labour laws structure employment arrangements concerning working on Saturdays and Sundays. These laws ensure employees and employers have clarity regarding their rights and obligations. Here are five key provisions that workers and businesses should understand:
Contractual Agreement
Employees cannot be obligated to work on weekends unless they have consented to such terms in their employment contract. It is fundamental for employees to review their contracts to comprehend their working day commitments.
Maximum Weekly Working Hours
According to the Working Time Regulations 1998, employees should not work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless they opt out. This includes any weekend work.
Right to Rest
Daily Rest: Workers are entitled to 11 hours of uninterrupted rest between working days.
Weekly Rest: Employees should receive a minimum rest period of either 24 uninterrupted hours each week or 48 hours every two weeks.
Young Workers
There are more stringent provisions for workers under the age of 18, including a limit on maximum hours per week and additional rest requirements.
Night Work Limitations
For those undertaking night shifts, there is a cap on the working hours, which should not exceed an average of 8 hours in a 24-hour period.
Is it Legal to Work 7 Days a Week in the UK?
In the UK, employment law does not explicitly ban working on Saturdays and Sundays, as these days can be considered normal working days for many sectors. However, the legality of working 7 days a week revolves around the Working Time Regulations (WTR) 1998, which impose certain restrictions to protect workers' health and safety.
Maximum Weekly Working Hours
The regulations state that, on average, a worker cannot be required to work more than 48 hours per week, typically averaged over 17 weeks. Workers may opt out of this limit voluntarily, but they cannot be forced to waive this right.
Weekly Rest
Even without a specific prohibition on seven consecutive days of work, employees are entitled to certain rest periods that indirectly limit this possibility:
At least 24 consecutive hours of rest in each seven-day period or
48 hours of consecutive rest in 14 days.
Should Your Business Be Open on Saturday?
When considering whether a business should operate on Saturdays in the UK, it's essential to be aware of the working weekends law.
Generally, the standard business days in the UK span from Monday to Friday, with the typical business hours being 9 AM to 5 PM. This schedule aligns with when banks operate and process payments.
While some companies extend their working hours to include Saturday, it is traditionally seen as part of the weekend.
Businesses must consider both customer demand and the legal entitlements of employees.
Further Reading: Casual Worker Contract
How to Ask Your Team to Work on Weekends: 5 Tips
Understand Legal Boundaries
Employers must understand UK labor laws before making any requests.
While it is legal to work 7 days a week, the Working Time Regulations 1998 mandate a minimum rest period of 11 consecutive hours a day and a right to an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week or 48 hours per fortnight.
Communicate the Reason Clearly
Transparency about the necessity of weekend work helps build trust.
Explain the circumstances, whether it's a critical project deadline or an unexpected business need, so that employees understand the importance of their contribution.
Offer Compensation or Time Off
To respect the Working Time Regulations and acknowledge employees' commitments, offer time off in lieu or additional pay for weekend work when possible. This can mitigate the impact of working on days traditionally reserved for rest.
Time Off: Compensate with equivalent time off during the week.
Additional Pay: Provide extra pay to recognize the sacrifice of personal time.
Request, Don't Demand
Use polite and respectful language, framing the weekend work as a request.
A considerate approach respects individual circumstances and acknowledges that employees may have commitments outside of work.
Show Appreciation
Always thank the team for going above and beyond.
A culture of gratitude encourages a positive response and maintains high morale, even during busy periods.
Are Saturday and Sunday working days? Key takeaways
In the UK, the standard working week traditionally runs from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday recognized as non-working days for many businesses and government offices.
However, variations do exist, and some sectors, particularly retail and services, often operate on Saturdays and, less commonly, on Sundays. The traditional 9-5 schedule is increasingly flexible, with many organizations offering extended or reduced hours to cater to customer needs and work-life balance.
FAQs
Is there a law against working 7 days a week in the UK?
No, no law outright prohibits working 7 days a week.
However, the Working Time Regulations provide workers the right to one day off a week, and employers must ensure that the average working hours do not exceed 48 hours per week over a 17-week period unless the worker has opted out.
Is Saturday a working day for banks in the UK?
Saturday is not a standard working day for banks in the UK. Most banks are closed on weekends, but some branches may be open for limited hours on Saturdays; thus, Saturdays are not considered regular banking days for processing transactions.
Is Saturday a working day for the UK Post?
For the UK Post, Saturday is generally considered a working day to deliver letters and parcels. However, service levels on weekends might differ from regular weekdays.
Can employers ask staff to work during the weekend?
Yes, employers can ask staff to work during weekends if their contract allows it. Particularly common in retail and hospitality sectors, weekend work is subject to the same rules and restrictions as weekdays, including adherence to the Working Time Regulations.
Can employers discipline staff members for not working during weekends?
Employers might discipline staff members if they refuse to work weekends, but only if weekend work is stipulated in their contract.
The discipline must be reasonable and follow a fair process. Employees have certain protections, particularly regarding Sunday work, depending on their employment contract and engagement terms.
Can employees refuse to work weekends in the UK?
Employees can refuse to work weekends if they have not contractually agreed to, or if they are 'opted out' and the request exceeds 48 hours of work per week, averaging over 17 weeks.
Special considerations are also given to workers under 18 and those who have worked continuously for more than 5 days.
How many weekends can you work in a row in the UK?
No specific limit exists on the number of weekends an individual can work in a row, provided this does not breach the 48-hour weekly average working limit over 17 weeks unless they have opted out and received the correct daily and weekly rest periods as required by law.
Can you be fired for refusing to work on Sunday?
Employees cannot be automatically fired for refusing to work on Sunday if they are protected shop or betting workers who give their employers the correct notice that they opt out of Sunday work.
However, if Sunday work is a contractual requirement, refusal could lead to dismissal, subject to a fair and lawful disciplinary process.
