UKCan my employer make me work more than 48 hours a week?
Generally, no — your employer cannot make you work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless you've signed a valid opt-out agreement.
What the Law Says
The legal limit on working time in the UK is set by the Working Time Regulations 1998, which implement the EU Working Time Directive. These rules protect workers’ health and safety by capping average weekly working hours — but allow flexibility through a voluntary opt-out.
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, most workers must not work more than an average of 48 hours per week over a 17-week reference period. This is calculated as a rolling average, not a fixed calendar week.
The limit applies to 'working time' — time when you're at your employer’s disposal and carrying out duties — including overtime, on-call time where you must remain available on-site, and some travel time (e.g., between client sites during the working day).
Certain groups are excluded from the 48-hour limit, including managing executives with autonomous decision-making powers, family workers, sea fishermen, and some armed forces personnel.
Statutory TextAn adult worker must not work more than 48 hours in a week.
— The Working Time Regulations 1998, reg. 4 — Maximum weekly working time
Statutory TextThe weekly working time limit does not apply to a worker who has agreed in writing to opt out...
— The Working Time Regulations 1998, reg. 5 — Opt-out
What to Do
Check whether you’ve signed a written opt-out agreement — it must be freely given, revocable with up to three months’ notice (or less if agreed), and not a condition of employment.
Keep records of your actual working hours for at least two years — employers must also keep these records.
If you’re being pressured to sign an opt-out or work over 48 hours without consent, raise it with HR or your trade union.
You can complain to an employment tribunal if your employer refuses to respect your right to opt in again or penalises you for refusing to opt out.
Contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or Acas for free advice if informal resolution fails.
Sources
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IndiaNot 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.