UAE | Employment

Midday break rule to take effect on July 1

Workers and companies must adhere to the midday break rule that takes effect on July 1, a senior official at the Ministry of Labour has warned.

  • By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:33 June 27, 2007
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Workers and companies must adhere to the midday break rule that takes effect on July 1, a senior official at the Ministry of Labour has warned.

Humaid Bin Deemas, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, told Gulf News: "Workers who do not follow the rule are also violators. They have to understand that it is not an option to work during the break and that they are putting their lives in danger." He said in the past, many workers did not stop work because they were not aware of the decision.

The midday break was launched in 2005, providing a much needed halt from outdoor work during the hottest period of the day during July and August.

The Labour Minister, Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, issued a ministerial decision yesterday which gave details on the initiative. The break, just like last year, will be between 12.30 and 3pm. If workers are needed during those hours, when the work cannot be stopped due to technical reasons, employers will have to provide fresh water, first aid, cooling systems and sheds to protect the workers from direct sunlight.

Penalties such as fines and company transactions being stopped will remain the same as last year. The only change in the penalty structure is that transactions will be stopped when the company pays the fine and not when violations are committed. "Companies have to understand that the ministry is serious about the matter and therefore those who do not pay their fines on time will be further penalised by having a longer ban on transactions," said Bin Deemas.

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