THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Labour Commissioner has rescheduled work hours of labourers, making it mandatory for employers to provide three hours rest everyday in the afternoon for the workers, keeping in view the rising temperatures in summer.
With the new order that has been issued under section 24(3) of the Kerala Minimum Wages Rules, 1958, workers will avail compulsory rest period from 12 noon to 3 pm. The revised work hours will be valid up to April 30. Employers have been asked to reschedule the work hours of labourers to an eight-hour period between 7 am and 7 pm.
“The morning shift should end at 12 noon and the evening shift should begin, at the earliest, only by 3 pm,” stated the order.
The Labour Commissioner has also instructed district labour offices to visit work sites and file reports.
The weather forecast for this week in Kerala shows temperature to rule at 34-35 degree celsius, with Palakkad to hit 40 Degree Celsius on Friday.