The software allows for regular update to ensure that the
current working time laws are being adhered to. Elements that the
software particularly focuses on are:
- Non-working day(s) per week.
- Minimum break requirements.
- Maximum hours per week.
- Average maximum hours per week over long periods (17
weeks).
- Non-consolidated leave calculations.
- Holiday allocation and assignment.
As a simple way of showing the user how much of their working
time allowance an employee has remaining, simple graphics are used,
such as a bar graph, as shown below. Staff are able to work more
than the legal amount of hours at their own discretion.
Reports can also be viewed on an individual basis for acquired
leave, hours and cost totals. There is a specific page that goes
into further detail about reports and can be found here.
Legal Overview
As of April 2008 Health and Safety legislation provides
unlimited fines and jail sentences for corporate negligence. Whilst
Britain has an opt out from aspects of work time directive
legislation, court ruling suggest the following:
Any Agency Employer who's staff exceed WTD limits and are
subsequently involved, even accidentally, in a harmful situation
may be liable under corporate health and safety laws. The liability
extends to anyone involved in the Management chain from Owners and
Directors down. Proof of checking that WTD limits were adhered to
would be of considerable assistance in any defence. Inability to
substantiate that WTD requirements were properly monitored could be
seized upon by the prosecution.