Understanding New Hampshire labor laws is essential for both employees and employers to avoid confusion and compliance issues. While the state law does not require rest breaks, it sets clear rules for meal periods and breastfeeding breaks.
This article gives a quick overview of key New Hampshire break laws so employees know what they’re entitled to and employers understand exactly which breaks they must provide.
Key Takeaways From New Hampshire Break Laws
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This Article Covers
- Rest and Meal Breaks in New Hampshire
- Breaks for Expressing Milk in New Hampshire
- Breaks for Minor Employees in New Hampshire
- Penalties for Violating Break Laws in New Hampshire
Rest and Meal Breaks in New Hampshire
There are no rest breaks required by law in New Hampshire.
However, employees working five consecutive hours are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, under New Hampshire break laws. The break can be unpaid only if the employee is completely relieved of duties.
If the employee eats while working because a full break isn’t possible and the employer allows it, that time must be paid.
Breaks for Expressing Milk in New Hampshire
Employers with six or more employees in New Hampshire must provide reasonable break time and appropriate space for nursing employees to express milk for up to one year after a child’s birth under NH House Bill 358. For clarity, expressing milk refers to starting lactation through manual or mechanical methods, such as pumping, and does not include breastfeeding.
As per New Hampshire break laws, a reasonable break period means an unpaid break of about 30 minutes for every three hours worked. However, employers can negotiate with employees for a different break schedule if it better fits workplace needs.
Employees may also choose to use their existing rest or meal breaks to express milk. When unpaid lactation breaks are used, employees are not required to make up the time.
Employers must provide access to a clean, private space that is not a bathroom, shielded from view, and free from intrusion. When feasible, the space shouldinclude a chair and an electrical outlet. It must be close to the employee’s work area, unless both parties agree otherwise.
If the space is used for other purposes, employers must ensure it is available whenever an employee needs to express milk.
New Hampshire employers are required to provide employees with their lactation policy at the time of hire.
Employees must notify their employer at least two weeks in advance if they will need reasonable break time and a lactation.
Some employers may be exempt from these requirements if providing break time or space would cause undue hardship to business operations.
Additionally, individuals who volunteer without expectation or promise of pay for a public, charitable, or religious organization are not covered by this New Hampshire break law.
Breaks for Minor Employees in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, there is no separate break law for minor employees. The general meal break law applies, requiring minors to take a 30-minute meal break after five consecutive hours of work. The break can be unpaid only if employees are completely relieved of job duties.
While there are no rest breaks required by law, New Hampshire Youth Employment law limits the number of hours a minor can work.
Penalties for Violating Break Laws in New Hampshire
Employers who violate the New Hampshire break law for nursing employees, after July 1, 2026, will have to face a one-time civil penalty.
Important Cautionary Note
This content is provided for informational purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee that it is free of errors or omissions. Users are advised to independently verify any critical information and should not solely rely on the content provided.