The normal working day is set at 40 hours per week, not necessarily calculated
on the basis of a working week but for each seven day period. Collective
contracts may agree a normal working period of less than 40 hours. Whether an
agreement has been signed or not, the number of hours worked per week cannot
exceed 48 hours including overtime. The 48 hour limit is calculated over a seven
day period within a time period of no more than four months. This ensures the 48
hour limit is complied with by applying a kind of compensation rule whereby the
limit may be exceeded over a working week provided the reference period includes
working weeks of under 48 hours. A worker is entitled to a rest period of at
least 24 consecutive hours every seven days.
Entitlement to an annual holiday
period of at least 4 weeks is recognised.