Home / Countries / United Kingdom / Is Overtime Pay Required in the United Kingdom?
In short
United Kingdom sets no statutory overtime premium. This page explains what the working time law actually requires, what sets your rate instead, and the rules that do still bite.
What applies instead Limit: 48 hours averaged over 17 weeks, which an individual may opt out of. Set by Working Time Regulations 1998, SI 1998/1833, regs 4, 6. Worth knowing
The 48-hour limit is a health and safety ceiling, not a pay trigger. Two rules do bite: average pay across all hours worked must still clear the minimum wage, and settled regular overtime counts towards holiday pay.
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