Can I Work 5 Hours Without a Lunch Break

Meal Break Obligations In California. You cannot employ someone for a work period of more than five hours without providing an unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30 minutes. The first meal period must be provided no later than the end of the employee’s fifth hour of work.

Do you get a break for a 5 hour shift?

Can I work 5 hours without a break? The law states that workers are only entitled to a 20-minute break if they are working over six hours. That means that even if your shift is six hours, you are not entitled to a break.

How many hours legally can you work without a break?

The law only says you have a right to a 20-minute break if you work more than 6 hours. It does not say when the break must be given. As such, your employer is allowed to ask you to take your break at this time.