48 - Hour opt-out agreement

Eda CakaUpdated 17 Oct 2025

This document is an agreement for an employee to voluntarily opt out of the 48-hour weekly working time limit as stipulated by the Working Time Regulations 1998. It outlines the terms of this voluntary agreement, including the employee's right to withdraw with notice and the employer's commitment to monitor health and safety.

Employee Name: [insert full name]

Employer Name: [insert employer's name or company name]

Agreement to Opt-Out of the 48-Hour Weekly Working Time Limit

I, [employee's name], confirm that I voluntarily agree to opt out of the 48-hour weekly working time limit set by the Working Time Regulations 1998. By signing this agreement, I understand that I may work for more than an average of 48 hours per week if requested by my employer and as required by the needs of the business.

Terms of the Agreement:

This agreement is entirely voluntary, and I confirm that I have entered into it freely without any pressure or coercion from my employer.

I understand that I have the right to withdraw from this agreement at any time. To do so, I will provide my employer with [insert notice period, e.g., 1 month] notice in writing.

I acknowledge that my employer will continue to monitor my working hours to ensure my health, safety, and welfare are protected in accordance with the Working Time Regulations.

This agreement does not obligate me to accept every request for additional working hours beyond 48 hours per week. Such requests will be discussed and agreed upon individually.

I understand that this agreement may be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate for both parties.

[employee signature]

[date]

[employer representative name]

[position]

[employer representative signature]

[date]

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England & Wales note

This version is drafted for England & Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland differ on some points — for example notice periods and tribunal procedure. Tell GitLaw where you hire and it adjusts the draft.

Jurisdiction
England & Wales
Document info
HTML document. Document created on Tue Jul 15th, 2025. Last updated on Fri Oct 17th, 2025.
This document is public
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Attribution).
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