Since 1991 there have been measures introduced to improve doctors in training working conditions. This was laid out in the New Deal. Essentially the New Deal legislation limited the hours that junior doctors could work. This was limited to 48 hours per week from August 2009

This piece of European Legislation from the Council of Europe was introduced to protect the Health and Safety of workers in the European Union. This will have an impact an all grades of staff within the NHS and you should become aware of the implications of the EWTD. It lays down minimum requirements covering working hours, rest periods, annual leave and has provision for those who work on night shift patterns.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

http://bma.org.uk/

http://www.nhsemployers.org/

http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/

http://www.aomrc.org.uk/