Vote on working time opt-out ‘worrying’

6 November 2008

The CBI has described the vote by the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs to scrap the UK’s opt-out from the Working Time Directive as “worrying”.

The opt-out allows UK employees to agree to work longer than 48 hours a week.

The vote by the Committee, if supported by the European Parliament later this year, would see the UK lose the option for longer working weeks.

John Cridland, the CBI’s deputy director-general, said: “This vote by a small number of politicians is worrying because it shows how out of touch they are.

“Currently, people can work more than 48 hours a week if they choose. In hard times, they can do extra hours to support their family. In a company fighting for survival, they can go the extra mile. The proposals would end this.”

Mr Cridland added: “We think people can look at their own circumstances and make their own decision about working longer hours. We call this common sense, and it doesn’t need amending by Brussels. We call on other MEPs to throw out these proposed, misguided amendments when they vote in December.”