Hours of work

The normal full time week is 40 hours (excluding meal breaks). There is no set pattern on how a yard should work these hours. However, unless the individual employee’s contract states otherwise the normal full time week will include 5 hours every Saturday morning. Any overtime above the basic 40 hour working week will be paid in accordance with paragraph 4. Time away racing is to be paid in accordance with paragraph 5.

(3.1) In planning the working week, employers must have regard to the Working Time Regulations – further information on these is available in the BHA Health and Safety Manual (the Red Book).

(3.2) Having regard to the nature and requirement of the industry, racing staff shall work during weekends subject to their right to one weekend in two free from duties on a rota basis. Variations of this arrangement can be made provided it is agreed domestically.

(3.3) Working Time legislation limits the maximum working week for 16 and 17 year old workers to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. There are certain permitted exceptions whereby the limit may be exceeded – these will rarely apply. Further guidance on the legislation and exceptions is available for NTF members in the NTF employment guide and from the NTF office.

(3.4) For adult workers (those aged 18 and over) their working time should not exceed an average of 48 hours for each seven days applied over the reference period. By collective agreement between the NTF and NARS, the reference period is 52 weeks. Individual employees whose working time is likely to exceed an average of 48 hours over 52 weeks can be excluded from the weekly limit provided they sign an opt out agreement. Further information is available in the BHA Health and Safety Manual.