Working hours and paid breaks, am I being screwed over?

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Just a quick question so I'll keep it short.

Started work with a company. (factory)
The hours are 8 to 5 Monday to Friday.
9 hour day.
I have two 'breaks' in the day.
15 min at half 10 and 15 min at 1.
Payslip says paid for 42.5 hours.

Am I right in thinking that I'm entitled to (a) a paid break in a 9 hour day.

And (b) a longer break.

As I said I'm new... Jobs are scarce and I can't rock the boat... What should I do?

Get Real

Whether these are paid is entirely up to your company, unfortunately.

In my old job, when I started I was fortunate enough to get paid breaks, (one 45 and one 15 mins) but in the bad times then, people coming in as new starters got unpaid breaks.

In general, if you work 4.5 hours, you are entitled to a 15 minute break, anything over 6 hours is a half hour break. (2 fifteen minute breaks, or one full half hour) these don't have to be paid. Looks like your employer is sticking to the minimum, but its legal.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/hours_of_work/rest_periods_and_breaks.html

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Thanks very much for your reply. I got my contract to sign on Friday and said I'd take it home with me as there are some bits on it I'm very suspicions of.