Lincolnshire Meal break Survey results
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the UNISON meal break survey.
The survey closed at 5:00 pm on 20th January 2026. It was issued to eligible UNISON members in Lincolnshire in line with GDPR requirements. In total, just over 70% of verified members replied. Of these 89.4% wish to continue with the current 30 minute meal break arrangement.
Survey integrity
During the verification process, we identified a small number of duplicate votes and instances where survey links had been used more than once. These responses were not included in the final results. All results shared with the Trust are based solely on verified, eligible, single responses.
What we did
· Issued the survey to gather members’ views on proposed changes to meal break arrangements
· Checked all responses for eligibility, duplicates, and link misuse
· Ratified the final results at Regional level before submission
· Formally presented the results and UNISON’s position to senior management
What you told us
The results show a clear and consistent message from members:
· There is strong opposition to increasing meal breaks from 30 minutes to 45 minutes
· The overwhelming preference is to retain a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts longer than 8 hours
· We invited members taking the survey to comment. Many members raised concerns about:
o Increased unpaid time at work
o The need to work additional shifts to recover lost pay
o Negative impacts on work–life balance, rest, and family time
o Existing operational pressures within Lincolnshire
· Several respondents questioned the need to change arrangements that have worked effectively in Lincolnshire for many years
What we have done with the results
Based on your feedback, UNISON has formally written to the Trust setting out:
· The verified survey results
· The strength of feeling among members
· Our request that the Trust seriously reconsider any proposed changes to meal break lengths for Lincolnshire A&E Operations and any future plans for our EOC centres
· Our position that meal break arrangements should remain as they were prior to the rota consultation
We have also requested that discussions on meal breaks, FRV’s, and the associated Rota concerns are reconvened as a matter of urgency.
What happens next
A UNISON branch meeting will take place on the 23rd January at our regional office to discuss the meal break issue, FRV changes and the wider rota consultation. Following this meeting, we will update members on agreed next steps and any further action.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your responses directly shape the position UNISON takes on your behalf and provide a strong mandate for us to continue representing your views.
UNISON EMAS Branch
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