Midday break in UAE could start early this year

Abu Dhabi: Soaring May temperatures are prompting officials at the Ministry of Labour to consider moving up the mandatory midday break to the first of June this year, Gulf News has learnt.

The midday break, which in the past has started some time in mid-June, sees a country-wide ban on outdoor work between 12.30pm and 3pm.

This year, with temperatures expected to reach 48 degrees Celsius in May, officials are looking at the feasibility of introducing the midday break period from June 1 onwards.

"We are still awaiting a report from medical authorities about the risks of working in the afternoon at the current temperatures. If the recommendation is to start the midday break period early, it may actually happen," a senior labour ministry official told Gulf News.

Awareness campaigns

Once the midday break period begins, labour ministry inspectors will begin to conduct worksite visits to raise awareness about working safely in the heat, as well as daily inspections to ensure that the law is adhered to.

"As usual, companies found violating the law for the first time will be fined Dh10,000. A second offence will lead to a fine of Dh20,000, and a third offence will earn the company a fine of Dh30,000. A fourth violation could even cause the company's licence to be suspended," the official warned.

M. Arif, a 26-year-old painter from South East Asia, said he would welcome the midday break period starting earlier than usual.

"Outdoor work in the summer always drains you of energy and it is hardest to work in the afternoon. I have been feeling very dehydrated and tired lately. Because the past few weeks have been so hot, I would really welcome it if the midday break period started as early as possible," he added.