Are there any restrictions on work hours outlined in an employment contract?

Yes, there are restrictions on work hours outlined in an employment contract in Virginia. These restrictions are outlined in the Virginia Wage Payment Act. The Act sets the maximum hours worked in a day and week. It states that no employee can be asked or forced to work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Any hours over the 8-hour workday or 40-hour workweek are considered overtime and must be compensated at the rate of one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay. On top of that, employees who work more than five consecutive hours must be given an unpaid lunch break of at least 30 minutes. Any violations of these restrictions can result in a civil action against the employer. Beyond these restrictions, employers may also include additional provisions in an employment contract setting more specific restrictions such as the hours of the day when the employee may work. This is especially common when an employer needs to set a specific schedule. Any additional restrictions that are part of the employment contract must comply with the regulations outlined by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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