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From 31 July 2009, the average maximum working week for doctors in training reduces from 56 hours to 48 hours. However, in order to enable certain parts of the National Health Service to deliver adequate health service and medical care, the Working Time Regulations 1998 are amended so that an average 52-hour week maximum applies to certain doctors in training from 1 August 2009 until 31 July 2011.

The Regulations take advantage of an additional two-year transitional period provided by the European Working Time Directive for Member States to use where there are difficulties in maintaining health services and medical care.

The amendment Regulations also add a new Schedule to the 1998 Regulations, detailing the employer, specialist service, grade and, in some cases, rota, to which the 52-hour limit applies.

The Directive also makes provision for a further one-year transitional period and this will be the subject of separate legislation if it needs to be used from 2011.

Further information:
The Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2009
Explanatory Memorandum to the Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2009

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Written by Ian Congreave -

Filed under: Working Time Regulations on July 8th, 2009

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