UK maintains Working Time Directive opt-out
Apr 03 2009
Employees in the UK have retained the right to work more than 48 hours a week, following yesterday's European Union conciliation committee meeting.
The summit was unable to resolve differences between the European parliament and member states over whether the opt-out clause of the Working Time Directive should be phased out, with the UK and 14 other countries holding out against an amendment.
Pat McFadden, employment relations minister, argues that everyone has the right to choose their working hours and says he will not be forced into accepting a 'bad deal for Britain'.
He also claims that the current economic climate makes it important for people to be able to earn more money if they want to.
John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, adds that the member states were right to maintain the directive's opt-out, explaining that banning longer working hours could affect people's ability to support their families.
The British Chambers of Commerce also welcomed the decision, commenting: 'It provides the essential flexibility that many businesses and employees are relying on to get through this downturn.'
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