I do not fully understand why but a lot of doctors and some organisations were against these changes. However, from reading about them, I think these changes are positive.
They have been in effect from 07 August 2019. However, the Trusts have until 05 August 2020 to make sure these changes are enforced.
I have listed some of these changes below.
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Maximum Weekend Frequency
This has been changed from one in two to one in three. This means that we are not legally allowed to work more than one in three weekends. -
Maximum Consecutive Working Days
This has been changed from eight to seven. This means that we can not work more than seven consecutive days. -
Three breaks in a 12-hour Shift
Previously, we were allowed two breaks of 30 minutes each in a 12-hour shift. This has been changed to three breaks of 30 minutes each in a 12-hour shift. -
46 Hours Break After Any Period of Nights
Even if you have worked a single night, you will get at least 46 hours of break after the night shift.