Are employers required to provide a rest break and/or meal break?

Yes, employers are generally required to provide a rest break and/or meal break to employees in North Carolina. The actual amount of time depends on the total hours worked and the age of the employee. For employees under the age of 16, employers must provide a rest period of at least 30 minutes in addition to a meal break of at least 30 minutes when the employee works for more than five hours. For those 16 and older, employers must provide a 10-minute rest break when the employee works for more than four hours, and a meal break of at least 30 minutes when the employee works for more than six consecutive hours. These breaks are unpaid under North Carolina wage and hour law. However, an employer may not require an employee to work during the break. An employer may not deduct wages if an employee chooses to take a break. Any violation of the wage and hour law in North Carolina can result in serious penalties. To avoid penalties, employers should make sure they are in compliance with all applicable regulations. It is also important for employers to ensure that employees are aware of and understand the applicable laws, particularly with regards to breaks and wage and hour regulations.

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Are employers required to provide a rest break and/or meal break?

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