Forum

"Lunch Break" paid or not, for freelancer

27 September 2014 17:07

Hi Freelance:uk,

If you work on a freelance basis (without contract?) for a regular employer, for an 8hour day. Is it "normal" for them to expect to only have to pay you for 7hours as this includes a 1hour unpaid lunch break, even though you rarely take more than 20minutes.

I feel like this should be considered an 8hour work and pay day, including some paid lunch time.

What is the norm. for this scenario?

Thanks

Will

Free-Worker-706039 29 September 2014 07:04

Hi Will,

If you don't have a contract, you should really get one - this is something that should have been negotiated and agreed in your contract before you started.

If you are paid on an hourly basis the number of hours worked in a week should be specified in your contract and if you work an extra hour over lunch then you should be able to adjust your hours that day or timesheet accordingly.
If lunch hours are not worked then they are unpaid - this is standard for both freelancers and most permanent employees.

If you are paid on a daily rate typically it will be for an 8 hour day excluding lunch - so if you decide to work through your lunch you won't get any extra money for it.

You definitely need to speak to your client to clarify and get a contract in place.
Drwebsitesuk 21 October 2014 05:50

I working on hourly bases. 8 hours a day. my lunch is unpaid. i am a freelancer too