The words to use
- Working Time Regulations
- UK law limiting average working time to 48 hours a week. Resident doctors in England may opt out, but their contract still caps the average at 56.
- Exception report
- A report a resident doctor submits when work goes beyond the agreed schedule. Under the reforms in force from February 2026, doctors choose time off in lieu or pay.
- Burnout
- The WHO describes it as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed: exhaustion, cynicism about the job and reduced effectiveness.
- Less than full time (LTFT) training
- Training at reduced hours for well-founded reasons such as health, caring or personal development. It must meet the same requirements as full-time training.
- NHS Practitioner Health
- A free, confidential mental health and addiction service that NHS staff in England can refer themselves to.
