The recent announcement by BP to cut paid breaks for 5,400 workers has reignited calls for stronger employment protections in the UK. While the company is raising its base pay to £13.45 an hour, the simultaneous removal of paid rest periods and reduction in holiday bonuses has been labeled a “stealth cut” by unions. This situation highlights a legal reality: while the government mandates rest breaks, it does not mandate that they be paid.
This legislative gap allows employers to fundamentally alter the value of a shift without technically lowering the hourly wage. By moving from paid to unpaid breaks, BP aligns itself with competitors like Asda and Morrisons but draws criticism for eroding worker conditions. The TUC general secretary, Paul Nowak, pointed to the need for the upcoming employment rights bill to close such loopholes and prevent employers from imposing unilateral changes that leave workers no better off.
The specifics of the BP case are telling. Workers facing a cost-of-living crisis are being offered a pay rise that, on paper, looks like a 6.7% increase. However, in practice, the removal of paid downtime neutralizes this gain. Sources indicate that for an eight-hour shift, the difference in pay could be as little as 7 pence. This creates a situation where the “Living Wage” accreditation is maintained, but the worker’s standard of living is not actually improved.
BP has defended its actions as a necessary review of benefits to stay competitive. They argue that the package remains fair and that the base pay increase is a significant commitment. However, the controversy serves as a case study for why labor advocates are pushing for tighter regulations regarding “fire and rehire” tactics and the modification of employment contracts.
As the changes take effect in February, the broader implication is clear: without stricter legal frameworks, the definition of “fair pay” will remain fluid. Companies can continue to adjust the variables of breaks and bonuses to manage their bottom line, often leaving the worker running to stand still financially.