I'll just chuck some petrol on the fire here. I'm a high speed services driver and I stand by any member of staff's absolute right to take their break when it's diagrammed, but I do object when people throw around inaccuracies - such as that old chestnut that drivers', guards', or any other rail staff's breaks are mandated by
law and as such cannot be moved or altered.
They are not. They just aren't.
See this somewhat key phrase from the Office of Rail Regulation (clue in the name, there, that they may know what they are on about):
"Hours of work, working patterns and other conditions of service are matters for agreement between employers and staff, but it is vital that working patterns are designed to reduce risks from fatigue, so far as is reasonably practicable."
(
http://orr.gov.uk/what-and-how-we-r...search/worker-safety/working-patterns-fatigue)
There we have it. Or rather, we don't (have the legislation, that is).
See also the wording in the "Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS)" (
http://orr.gov.uk/what-and-how-we-regulate/health-and-safety/regulation-and-certification/rogs) -
"2: Set standards and design working patterns:
Identify, set and keep to appropriate standards and good practice for working hours and working patterns. The working-time restrictions set out by law are not enough on their own.
3: Limit the times when workers go beyond the standards:
Make sure workers only go beyond the standards in exceptional circumstances. A good way of doing this is to record the times this happens to help build a profile."
Well that's my understanding of the legislative framework anyway, and it sure don't say in so many words that you have to have a break of any sort for any length of turn. Of course if I've missed some entire strand of legislation that helps us out and does mandate such things, then please feel free to let me know.
I despise the Daily Mail, Metro et al and their reactionary, ill-informed and just wrong mischief-making, make no mistake.
Regards,
B