Employers must pay employees during a break period. However, if breaks are given, federal law requires wages be paid for all breaks of 20 minutes or less.In South Carolina, no law gives employees the right to time off to eat lunch (or another meal) or the right to take short breaks during the work day. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. South Carolina does not require lunch breaks. It is completely up to the employer to provide meal breaks and other additional breaks. There is no requirement under South Carolina law for an employer to provide employees with breaks or a lunch period. Members of the public who are attending the meeting in person are asked to fill out a comment card and provide it to MAG staff. Those. Does your state require employers give workers lunch breaks? Find out the regulations on lunch break laws and rest periods here.