The UK’s opt-out of the maximum 48 hour working week is no longer under threat as the European Commission and MEP from member states failed to come to a compromise. The commission said it was “disappointed” by the outcome. Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Spidla said, “The likely outcome is that more – not less – member states will start using the opt-out, not something I want to see happen.”
Once only backed by Britain, the opt-out is now used by 15 member states and with the economic down turn more member states are opting for the opt-out clause. Unions believe that workers need the protection of a fixed maximum number of working hours per week even taking into account that governments have agreed that a absolute ceiling of 65 hours a week. But the UK government and employers’ organizations, notably the CBI, have vigorously defended the opt-out on the basis it’s good for business and allows employees the flexibility to choose how long they wish to work. employment relations minister Pat McFadden has said consistently that we would not give up the opt-out and that continues to be the case,” ”In the current downturn it is more important than ever that people keep the right to put more money in their pockets by working longer hours.”
What are the average working hours for full time employees in Europe?
Country Hours
Austria 42.4
UK 42.4
Latvia 42.2
France 39.1
Belgium 39
Netherlands 38.9
EU 37.9
Thirteen out of Labours MEP’s supported limiting the working week to 48 hours even though the Prime Minister himself supports the opt-out agreement secured in 1993. In the time of financial hardship Labour MEP’s know that the British people need the flexibility to earn extra money from being allowed to work overtime.
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