102 Firms Violate Midday Ban In UAE

Only 0.2 per cent of the private firms in the UAE violated the midday break rule between June and August this year, a labour official has revealed.

The UAE issued an ordinance imposing a ban on outdoor work between 12.30 pm and 3.00 pm from 15 June until 15 September this year.

Labour ministry inspectors conducted 53,990 visits across the country and found that while 53,881 firms (99.79 per cent) followed the rule, 102 firms violated it, according to official news agency WAM.

The annual ban aims to protect outdoor workers in the country during the peak summer hours and has been in place for the last eight years.

“The high percentage of compliance underlines the level of awareness among employers about the importance of the resolution and its effectiveness in protecting workers for the eight running year,” said Mohsen Ali, director, Inspection Department, Ministry of Labour.

The ordinance also states that workers should be provided with shaded areas during the recess, and that if a worker works more than eight hours per day, he will be entitled to over-time wages.

In case of violations, the employer will be penalised Dhs15000 for each case of breach.

The ministry also warned that recurring violation may lead to a re-classification of the firm.