Regulation 4 of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended) (the “WTR”) limits the average working week to 48 hours (average being calculated over a standard 17 week reference period, which can be extended to 26 or 52 weeks in certain circumstances). The worker can opt out of the 48 hour maximum but must give written notice that they intend to do so. The worker can later give notice that they wish to opt back in to the 48 hour working time limit.
