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Solomon Islands

Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

Understand the laws governing work hours and overtime in Solomon Islands

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Standard working hours

In Solomon Islands, the Labour Act (Cap 73) governs the regulations for standard working hours for employees. The Act specifies a maximum of 45 working hours per week for any worker, setting a national standard for full-time employment.

There are exceptions and variations to this rule. For instance, individual employment contracts can establish a lower maximum number of working hours per week, if agreed upon by both parties. For employees engaged in shift work, exceeding 45 hours in a single week may be permissible, provided the average working hours remain at 45 per week over a three-week period.

While a maximum weekly limit exists, the Act doesn't explicitly define a standard number of daily working hours. However, it does state that working hours must be arranged such that an employee's physical presence at the workplace doesn't exceed 12 hours per day.

Overtime

In Solomon Islands, the regulations surrounding overtime work are primarily outlined in the Labour Act (Cap 73).

The maximum allowed overtime per week is 12 hours. This can be extended with approval from the Commissioner of Labour. Including overtime, total working hours cannot surpass 57 hours in a workweek or 228 hours in a calendar month.

Employees must be compensated for overtime work undertaken with the employer's prior agreement. The minimum overtime rates are as follows:

  • For hours exceeding regular daily working hours, a rate of not less than one and a half times the regular hourly rate.
  • Work performed on Saturdays, Sundays, or designated substitute rest days must be compensated at a rate not less than one and a half times the regular hourly rate.
  • Work done on gazetted public holidays requires a minimum payment of twice the regular hourly rate.

Rest periods and breaks

The Labour Act (Cap 73) of Solomon Islands provides the minimum entitlements for rest periods and breaks for workers.

Workers whose daily working hours exceed six hours are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes. This break should be scheduled such that the worker doesn't work for more than five consecutive hours.

All workers are entitled to a weekly rest period of at least 24 continuous hours.

The Labour Act allows the Minister to suspend these provisions under exceptional circumstances, such as during a state of war or public emergency. It's important to note that an individual employment contract may specify different break times or rest periods, provided they meet or exceed the minimums outlined in the Labour Act.

Night shift and weekend regulations

In the Solomon Islands, the Labour Act outlines the regulations regarding night shifts and weekend work.

For night shift restrictions, individuals under 18 are prohibited from night work in any industrial undertaking. There's a limited exception for males over 16 who can obtain written permission from the Labour Commissioner. The legal definition of "night" is between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am the following morning.

As for weekend work, the Labour Act doesn't explicitly restrict it. However, it establishes limitations on total working hours. There are provisions for extended working hours for continuous processes. This applies only to industries requiring uninterrupted operation and doesn't automatically extend to weekend work in all sectors.

It's important to note that the Labour Act might be supplemented by additional regulations or industry-specific agreements. Employers should consult the Ministry of Labour or a legal professional for comprehensive guidance on night shift and weekend work regulations in their specific industry.

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