Guvnor
Defence, Security & Space Security and investigation

Manage security staff working time

Working time compliance for private security employers. Covers maximum weekly hours, night worker limits, rest break entitlements, opt-out agreements, and lone working risk assessments for security staff.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must comply with working time rules for security staff. This includes 48-hour weekly limits, night worker protections, and lone working risk assessments. Keep records of opt-out agreements and ensure rest breaks are taken.

  • Limit weekly hours to 48 averaged over 17 weeks
  • Night workers must not exceed 8 hours per 24-hour period
  • Offer free health assessments to night workers
  • Provide 20-minute breaks for shifts over 6 hours
  • Ensure 11 hours daily rest and 24 hours weekly rest
  • Carry out lone working risk assessments
  • Keep opt-out agreements if staff work over 48 hours
  • Provide communication devices for lone workers
  • Report violence incidents to HSE
  • Check lone workers regularly with welfare procedures
On this page
UK-wide

Private security work frequently involves long shifts, night work, and lone working. As an employer, you must comply with the Working Time Regulations 1998 and carry out risk assessments for the specific hazards your security staff face.

This guide covers the rules you need to follow and the records you must keep.

Opt-out agreements

An employee can voluntarily agree in writing to work more than 48 hours per week. The opt-out must be genuinely voluntary; you cannot make it a condition of employment or penalise anyone who refuses or withdraws consent. The employee can cancel the opt-out by giving you written notice (at least seven days, or up to three months if agreed in writing).

Keep a copy of every signed opt-out agreement. Even where an opt-out is in place, you still owe a duty of care to protect the employee from fatigue-related risks.

Lone working

Many security guarding roles involve working alone, particularly on night shifts. You must carry out a specific risk assessment for lone workers under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Violence and conflict risks

Security staff are at higher risk of workplace violence than most occupations. You must assess the risk of violence as part of your health and safety obligations and put control measures in place.

Record-keeping

You must keep working time records for at least two years. Records should include:

  • Hours worked each week by each employee (including overtime)
  • Night work hours and any health assessments offered
  • Rest breaks taken
  • Signed opt-out agreements and any withdrawals
  • Lone working risk assessments and review dates
  • Violence risk assessments and incident reports

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