Rest breaks under review? The working time regulations 1998 stated that employers must allow workers to take certain breaks during their working hours, but they have no obligation to ensure that the breaks are actually taken. Workers whose working time is more than 6 hours are entitled to a rest break of 20 minutes uninterrupted and away from the work station. But a recent Court case has led the DTI to examine the ruling and consider what steps it needs to take if any, as the ruling at the court case said the rule was meaningless if employers are required to give the time, but not required to make sure it is taken. close article