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The European Union's final discussions on the Working Time Directive have ended without agreement, allowing the UK to retain the opt-out clause.

The talks examined the European Parliament's proposal of phasing out the 48-hour opt-out over the next three years, but stalled when the differences between the opposing parties was deemed to be too great.

Due to an impending deadline for a decision on the matter, it was determined that there was no point in continuing the negotiations, as the UK and other member states held firm against dropping the clause.

Pat McFadden, employment relations minister, comments: 'We refused to be pushed into a bad deal for Britain. We have said consistently that we will not give up the opt-out and we have delivered on that pledge.'

However, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is rallying against the retention of the opt-out clause, saying it is necessary to tackle the long-hours working culture.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, claims that long hours are the result of poor management, as well as being responsible for worker illness and an increase in accidents.

The organisation also says the UK does not need to rely on a long working week to survive the recession and points out that small businesses depend on longer hours less than their larger counterparts.