IrelandAm I entitled to rest breaks during my shift?
Yes, you are entitled to rest breaks under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 if you work at least 4.5 hours in a day.
What the Law Says
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 sets out your legal right to rest breaks while at work in Ireland.
If you work for 4.5 hours or more in a single day, your employer must give you a rest break. This is a legal requirement — not optional.
For shifts lasting between 4.5 and 6 hours, you’re entitled to at least a 15-minute uninterrupted break. If your shift lasts more than 6 hours, you must get at least a 30-minute break — which can include the first 15 minutes.
Rest breaks are unpaid unless your employment contract says otherwise. You must be free from work duties during the break — your employer cannot require you to stay on call or remain available.
Statutory TextAn employee who works for a period of more than 4½ hours shall be entitled to a rest break of at least 15 minutes.
— Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, s. 12 — Rest breaks
What to Do
Check your shift length — if it’s over 4.5 hours, you’re legally entitled to a break.
Speak to your employer if you’re not receiving your rest break — remind them of section 12 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
If unresolved, contact the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to make a complaint — there’s no fee and strict time limits apply.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.