Imagine this: you finally get a moment to step away from your desk, grab a sandwich, and recharge during your lunch break – only to see yet another meeting invite pop up from your boss. That’s exactly what happened to one UK employee, who decided enough was enough.
The Breaking Point
The worker, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed their boss had a habit of scheduling last-minute meetings during their legally entitled lunch break. "It happened three times in one week," they explained. "I’d be mid-bite when my laptop would ping with yet another ‘urgent’ meeting request."
Taking a Stand
After the third interruption, the employee decided to take action. "I politely but firmly declined the invite, stating I was on my lunch break," they shared. "Then I set my status to ‘Do Not Disturb’ and actually took my full hour away from my desk."
The Unexpected Outcome
Rather than facing repercussions, the employee was surprised by what happened next. "My boss actually apologised the following day," they revealed. "They admitted they hadn’t realised how often they’d been doing it and promised to be more mindful of break times."
Know Your Rights
Employment law experts confirm that UK workers are generally entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute break during shifts longer than six hours. "Employees shouldn’t feel pressured to sacrifice their legal rest periods," says one HR professional. "Clear communication is often the best first step in resolving these situations."
When to Escalate
If polite requests don’t work, experts recommend:
- Documenting all instances of interrupted breaks
- Reviewing your company’s HR policies
- Speaking to your HR department if the issue persists
The employee’s story serves as an important reminder that sometimes, setting boundaries at work can lead to positive change – and you might just get your lunch break back.
