Introduction to the Time Tracking Law
Complete overview of the EU Working Time Directive and what it means for your business.
UK Working Time Regulations
Working Time Records in the UKPost-Brexit flexibility for businesses
The UK has chosen a lighter approach than the EU. While records must show compliance with the 48-hour limit, daily time tracking is not mandatory. Learn what you actually need to do.
Specific Time Tracking Requirements
What does your company need to record to comply with the law?
System requirements
Your system must be objective, reliable and accessible
- • Records showing compliance with 48-hour limit
- • Not required to record daily hours (unlike EU)
- • Records kept for 2 years minimum
- • HSE or local authorities can inspect
Working hours and rest
Compliance with 48-hour rule and rest periods
- • Max 48 hours weekly (17-week average)
- • 11 hours daily rest between shifts
- • 24 hours uninterrupted weekly rest
- • 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
Documentation and control
Data retention and accessibility requirements
- • Minimum 2 years record retention
- • Adequate records to prove compliance
- • Available for HSE inspection
Important exceptions
These groups have special rules:
- • Fixed schedule: Only register deviations
- • Self-schedulers: No registration requirement
- • Critical functions: Can work over 48 hours with consent
Does the Law Apply to Your Business?
UK chose lighter approach than EU
Unlike the EU's mandatory daily time tracking from July 2024, the UK maintains flexible Working Time Regulations. You must keep adequate records but daily tracking is not required.
Brexit dividend for businesses
The UK government confirmed in 2024 that businesses need not record daily hours if they can demonstrate compliance through other means. This reduces administrative burden.
Which companies are covered?
The law applies to all companies with employees - including small businesses with just a few employees.
Covered companies
- All private companies
- Public institutions
- Associations with employees
Possible exceptions
- Self-employed without employees
- Certain senior employees
- Special collective agreements
How to Get Your Business Started
Four simple steps to comply with the law - even for small businesses
15 min
Check your current system
Start by looking at what you do now
Already have time tracking? Check if it meets the law
No system? You'll need to start fresh - but it's easy!
30 min
Choose a digital solution
Find a system that's easy to use
Try EasyHours free - it takes just 2 minutes to set up
Check if the solution fits your size and needs
1 hour
Get employees on board
Make it easy for everyone to start
Send an email with login info and simple guide
Hold a short meeting (15 min) to show the system
5 min/week
Keep it running
Make sure the system is being used
Weekly check that everyone has logged time
Export monthly reports for documentation
Fast track to compliance
With EasyHours, your company can be compliant in under 2 hours - from start to all employees up and running.
Start free todayConsequences and Benefits
Consequences of non-compliance
- Criminal prosecution and unlimited fines
- Improvement notices from HSE
- Employment tribunal claims
Benefits of proper time tracking
- Protection against working time conflicts
- Better resource management and planning
- Increased employee satisfaction
Related Articles
Learn more about time tracking regulations and compliance
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