Working time tracking: how to comply with the law using time tracking software like Shyfter
What does working time law require?
Working time recording is a legal obligation for businesses across the UK and EU, regardless of size or sector. Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (UK) and the EU Working Time Directive, employers must ensure the following:
- Record the start and end time of each worker's day, every day.
- Retain records for a minimum of 2 years (UK) or longer where national law requires.
- Keep data accessible in the event of an inspection or employee request.
- The system must be objective, reliable, and tamper-proof.
- Applies to all employees, including remote workers and those on flexible schedules.
What happens if your time tracking falls short?
Non-compliance can result in significant fines and enforcement action, as well as a loss of visibility over your team's actual working hours. If a labour dispute arises, having no reliable record of hours worked puts you in a very weak position.
Many businesses still rely on outdated methods: paper sheets, spreadsheets, or unreliable apps. But these systems do not guarantee legal compliance and will not protect you during an audit.
How can Shyfter help with time tracking?
Shyfter is a digital time tracking and clock-in software that lets you meet your legal obligations while managing your team's shifts and schedules more effectively.
With Shyfter you can:
- Let employees clock in from their phone, tablet, or PC.
- Automatically record daily working hours, in line with the law.
- Store all time tracking data for the required retention period, as required by legislation.
Generate reports ready to present in the event of an inspection. - Plan shifts, manage holidays and absences from a single tool.
Shyfter is built especially for businesses with rotating or flexible teams, such as restaurants, clinics, retail stores, and service chains.
A real example: a restaurant with 20 employees
Imagine you manage a restaurant with 20 staff members and multiple shifts. Paper-based clock-in is chaotic and easy to forget. With Shyfter you can:
- Build schedules and shifts in just a few clicks.
- See who clocked in and when, from a tablet on-site or directly from their phones.
- Save time on administration.
- Keep all working hours recorded and accessible for any inspection.
All while staying fully compliant with working time regulations.
Why choose digital time tracking software?
A good time tracking system does more than keep you compliant. It also gives you:
- Better internal organisation.
- Greater visibility over hours worked.
- More transparency with your team.
- Fewer errors and missed entries.
Digital time tracking is the natural evolution of workforce management. And tools like Shyfter make it easier than ever.
Conclusion: stay compliant and gain efficiency
Recording working time is no longer optional. But with a modern solution like Shyfter, you can put the complexity behind you and focus on what actually matters: growing your business.
Want to see it in action? Request a free demo and discover how Shyfter can be tailored to your business. No commitment, no hassle.
