Working Time Directive (WTD)

In August 2004 the Working Time Directive (WTD) came into force to protect the health and safety of doctors in training by restricting hours worked (to a maximum of 58) and imposing minimum rest requirements (with a maximum of 13 hours of work in any 24 with at least 11 hours of rest between shifts). The next challenge will be WTD 2009, which takes the maximum working hours down to 48.

In August 2005, Skills for Health - Workforce Projects Team was awarded the contract to help the NHS develop solutions to the WTD challenge. To help us achieve this task we have undertaken a baseline review and established links with colleagues from across the NHS. We have been working with our partners to develop, implement and disseminate a range of enabling projects. Our approach to the development of these projects is to:

  • listen
  • build on the work to date
  • focus on delivery
  • utilise effective communication strategies
  • engage expertise of others
  • develop underpinning tools and resources that will support success
  • provide high quality project management support.

Find out more

Back to top