How overtime pay works in the UK
Unlike many countries, the UK sets no statutory overtime rate. Whether you get paid extra — and how much — depends entirely on your employment contract. Many contracts pay "time-and-a-half" (1.5×) or "double time" (2×), but that's a contractual term, not a legal minimum.
The two legal rules that do apply: (1) your average pay across all hours worked can't drop below the National Minimum/Living Wage, and (2) the Working Time Regulations cap your average working week at 48 hours, unless you sign an opt-out.
To estimate pay: hourly rate = (monthly salary × 12) ÷ (52 × weekly hours); overtime pay = hourly rate × your contract multiplier × overtime hours.
FAQ
- Is overtime pay required by law in the UK?
- No. There's no statutory overtime rate; it's set by your contract. Pay must still average at least minimum wage.
- What's the most common overtime rate?
- Time-and-a-half (1.5×) is common, but it varies by employer and contract.
- What's the 48-hour limit?
- Average weekly working time is capped at 48 hours under the Working Time Regulations, unless you opt out.
Source: Working Time Regulations 1998; National Minimum Wage Act 1998. Overtime premium is contractual.