I wasn't given 11 hours rest between shifts. What does EU law require?

What the Law Says

The EU Working Time Directive sets minimum standards for rest periods, working hours, and leave to protect workers' health and safety.

The core rule is that workers must receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24-hour period. This is a mandatory minimum — employers cannot opt out, and collective agreements cannot reduce this entitlement.

The Directive also guarantees a weekly rest period of at least 24 uninterrupted hours plus the 11-hour daily rest (so effectively at least 35 hours per week), and a minimum of four weeks’ paid annual leave.

Special rules apply to night workers: they must not work more than an average of 8 hours per 24-hour period over a reference period, and their health must be monitored.

Statutory Text

Every worker is entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours per 24-hour period.

— Directive 2003/88/EC, Art. 3 — Daily rest

Statutory Text

Every worker is entitled to a minimum uninterrupted rest period of 24 hours plus the 11 hours' daily rest in each 7-day period.

— Directive 2003/88/EC, Art. 5 — Weekly rest period

Statutory Text

The average working time for each 7-day period, including overtime, must not exceed 48 hours.

— Directive 2003/88/EC, Art. 6 — Maximum weekly working time

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