What are the rules regarding meal and rest breaks?

In New Hampshire, employers must provide all employees with meal and rest breaks throughout the day. The rules surrounding these breaks largely depend on the number of hours an employee works, as well as any applicable agreements between the employer and employee. Employees who work between 6 to 8 hours must be provided with at least a 30-minute break and are entitled to one meal period not to exceed a total of 6 hours. Employees who work between 8 to 10 hours must be provided with two 15-minute breaks and one meal period no longer than 7 hours. Those working 10 to 12 hours must have their meal period not to exceed 8 hours in total. Any employee who works more than 12 hours must either be provided with an additional meal period or be given an hour of pay for every hour over 12. Employees on duty for more than 5 hours must be provided with at least one 15-minute rest period. Any employee on duty for more than 8 hours must several rest periods throughout their shift. Additionally, any employee under 18 years of age must be given a 30-minute break for every 5 hours worked. This break must be in addition to any meal or rest periods given throughout the day. In general, employers must provide adequate breaks for their employees, and those employees are entitled to use those breaks in any manner they desire. However, employers are not obligated to pay for those breaks.

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