Staff could be limited to 48-hour week
Dec 18 2008
Small businesses may be forced to limit their employees to a 48-hour working week, after MEPs voted in favour of ending the UK's opt-out of the working time directive.
The European Union directive dictates that no member of staff should work for more than 48 hours each week and could come into force in three year's time, if approved.
Britain does not have a veto on the issue, so will campaign other Euro politicians to retain the opt-out.
The Trades Union Congress supported the move, saying it would allow Britain's hardest workers to get a better work/life balance.
However, the European Small Business Alliance (ESBA) says the development will further restrict they way people can run their company.
The organisation says it is important small business workers are able to work as hard as they want to, in order to ensure the survival of the business.
President of the ESBA Tine Sommer says: 'The European parliament's decision is a serious blow to small businesses and a further burden that small firms just don't need at this difficult time.'
Comment by Yzzy Howell
Saturday 27th December 2008There is no way our business could manage on less than what we already put in. We [husband and I] work on average around 100 hours a week EACH on wahm.co.uk and Mama Pack. We are even working over Christmas. 48 hours a week wouldn't scratch the surface of the tasks we have each week....
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