From the DTI website:
The basic rights and protections that the Regulations provide are:
- a limit of an average of 48 hours a week which a worker can be required to work (though workers can choose to work more if they want to).
- a limit of an average of 8 hours work in 24 which nightworkers can be required to work.
- a right for night workers to receive free health assessments.
- a right to 11 hours rest a day.
- a right to a day off each week.
- a right to an in-work rest break if the working day is longer than 6 hours.
- a right to 4 weeks paid leave per year.
The RAF is not exempt from these rules except during training and operations. Even then they are supposed to make up for any time off missed by training and ops etc. I don't see that happening!
If things continue I would not be suprised if people take legal action against the RAF/MOD. The government can only keep pushing so much. It's Armed Forces are giving over and above the call of duty yet all they get in return is a kick in the face.