How long is the working week?

A colleague is trying to persuade me that the "legal" working week in Ireland is 39 hours, not 40. AFAIK, the 1997 Act only refers to a maximum 48 hours per week on average. The working hours are defined by the contract between the employee and employer, and must not exceed 48 hrs on average.

Have looked on Basis and entemp.ie, but no definitive guidance there.

Anyone know what the answer is and where can I find a reference to the legislation?

Many thanks.

I would say 39 hours as well but if you had the authorised amount of overtime 48 hours.

I'd guess that there is no "legal" working week. There is the maximum number of hours according to EU legislation.

Any agreements on minumum hours are down to specific companies etc, and contracts with their employees.

In my current job I'm contracted to 35hours a week. My last job was 37 1/2 and first job was 39 hours.

I think that the generally agreed working week of 39 hours was agreed late 80's/early 90's between the Unions and Employers. Was a big deal around that time if I remember.

I remember a campaign way back when with the slogan "Fight for 35 hours now"........ didn't sound very enticing to me ........