48 Hour Opt Out Letter by Business Gateway
This document is a 48-hour opt-out letter for employees under the Working Time Regulations 1998. It allows an employee to voluntarily agree to work more than the average 48-hour weekly limit. The employee can withdraw this agreement by providing three months' written notice to the company.
48-Hour Opt Out Letter
(on headed paper) – not suitable for Apprentices or young people under the age of 18 years
Dear Colleague
Working Time Regulations 1998 – 48-Hour Opt Out Letter
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 a worker’s average weekly working time (including overtime) calculated over a rolling 17 week period must not exceed 48 hours.
The Regulations provide that this limit will not apply where a worker has agreed with his Employer, in writing, that it should not apply in his case.
I am therefore asking you to agree to opt out to enable you to decide on your own hours of work.
You may withdraw your agreement by giving the Company three months advance notice in writing. Please confirm your agreement by signing where indicated on the section below.
Yours sincerely
For and on behalf of <<Company Name>> Limited
Name
Title
I agree that the limit specified in Regulation 4 (1) of the Working Time Regulations 1998 shall not apply in my case.
Signed: __________________________________________
Name: (please print) ____________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
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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.
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