As such, employees must be permitted to take a meal break for every 7.5 hours worked no later than 5 hours after the start of the shift. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day.Does your state require employers give workers lunch breaks? Find out the regulations on lunch break laws and rest periods here. For every 7.5 hours worked, Illinois state law allows one meal break to be taken no later than 5 hours from the start of the shift. Non-exempt employees who work more than five hours per day are required to receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break. Meal break: Illinois law requires a 20-minute meal break for employees working seven and a half continuous hours or more. These employees must get a 30minute meal break if they work at least seven hours". A 30-min paid meal break for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours. Mandatory paid lactation breaks, per employee's decision.