Working Hours in UK

Some important points about working hours in UK.
Most of the Non training job contracts come with on call commitments. (Check other posts to see difference between training and non training post).But you can look for non training jobs without on call commitments. Training jobs are usually with on call commitments.

Normal working days are Mon-Fri , usually from 8 AM to 5 PM . Your weekends on call depends on your contract. On call means , you are working out of hours.
If you are working day on call / long day it is usually form 8 AM to 8 PM , like a 12 hour shift.
If you are working night on call it is usually from 8 PM to 8 AM.
Some hospitals you are working Twilight shifts as well, which can be 12 PM to 8PM or different timings.

I have heard you only work 48 hours per week?

Average you are supposed to work 48 hours per week , which is true. But its per 8-10 week rotas hours divided per week. So, If you are working more than 48 hours per week , you will get some rest days on top of your normal weekend off.

Can you explain more?
When you are on nights , you are doing 3 or 4 nights back to back like Mon-thur or Fri-Sun usually. So your start Mon night 8 pm and finish 9 Am Tuesday but come back for Tue night 8 pm and so on.
After batch of 3 or 4 nights you will get rest days 2 , 3 or 4 depending on rota hours etc.
For long days , some hospitals do batch of long days back to back or others divide one or two days per week but you do not get rest days after each long day (nights are different)

How many leaves we get per year?
We have 27 annual leaves and yes it does not include your rest days after long days , weekends, bank holidays, study days, sickness day, compassionate leave etc.
Bank holidays : google it , its government holidays, if you are working on these days , you will get a in lieu off day later.
I will explain sickness and compassionate leave in other post.

Can I work less hours?
Yes, You can. For non training jobs , you need to negotiate your contract , but make sure your salary per anum fulfils requirement for Tier2 visa ( check government guidelines).
For Training jobs , its called Less than full time (LTFT) , You can request and work 80%, 70% etc of the full time job, but it will reduce number of annual leave entitlement and salary as well.

I hope it helps, please do not hesitate to contact me if any further questions.