Toilet breaks

[Hill Street]

Can companies limit the time people use the toilet? I do a 2-10 shift and last week the Co.said that people can't use the toilet from 9.40-10pm.Any ideas?

[atticus]

Have you asked the reason for this rule? I observe that this is the last 20 minutes of the shift.

[redstar]

Previous call center employee we were told it was legal and it was to stop call avoidance ie going to the toilet to ensure you did not get stuck on a call over your end of shift

[theberenger]

I can imagine numerous reasons for this, although I note you haven't told us what sort of environment you work in.

If you work in a shop or somewhere else that requires 'cashing up' at the end of the night, it seems feasible your employer is trying to prevent employees from going anywhere they can't be observed while cash is being handled in large quantities.

Alternatively, if at that time of night there are only a few of you in, your employer may be concerned about having a member of staff left alone while you make use of the facilities.

Unless you have a medical complaint that prevents you from planning ahead in terms of your toilet breaks, it doesn't seem too unreasonable to me, depending on your working environment.