Most California workers must receive the following breaks: An uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than five hours in a day. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day.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. A second uninterrupted, dutyfree unpaid 30minute break is required if the workday exceeds ten hours. The California Labor Code requires employers to provide non-exempt employees with a 30-minute, uninterrupted, and off-duty break for every 5 hours of work. There is no requirement under South Carolina law for an employer to provide employees with breaks or a lunch period. Short rest breaks, which usually 20 minutes or less, must be paid as work time. This manual is designed to assist hiring managers with appropriate hiring processes and. Human Resources practices. Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks.