48 - Hour opt-out agreement
Updated 17 October 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]
About this template
What is this template?
48 - Hour opt-out agreement is a free, ready-to-use Employment template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Employment template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with England & Wales in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Employment usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.