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UK's working time opt-out scrapped
The European Parliament has voted to end the UK's exemption from the Working Time Directive, despite claims from business leaders that doing so would harm the economy.
MEPs in Strasbourg voted 421 to 273 to scrap the opt-out, which was first secured by the Conservatives in 1993 to provide flexibility for British businesses.
The Working Time Directive limits employees to an average of 48 working hours a week. Under the opt-out, staff who want to work longer are able to do so.
Businesses claim the exemption has allowed them to respond more effectively to peaks and troughs in activity, but they could now find themselves facing restrictions.
Conciliation talks will be held between EU governments and the European Parliament, which will determine the final outcome of the vote.
According to Reuters, Gordon Brown has insisted that the UK will challenge the vote, claiming limits on working hours would harm business.
"Freedom of choice over working hours has operated successfully in the UK and a number of member states for many years and I continue to support the opt-out which gives that choice to UK workers," the prime minister said.
MEPs in Strasbourg voted 421 to 273 to scrap the opt-out, which was first secured by the Conservatives in 1993 to provide flexibility for British businesses.
The Working Time Directive limits employees to an average of 48 working hours a week. Under the opt-out, staff who want to work longer are able to do so.
Businesses claim the exemption has allowed them to respond more effectively to peaks and troughs in activity, but they could now find themselves facing restrictions.
Conciliation talks will be held between EU governments and the European Parliament, which will determine the final outcome of the vote.
According to Reuters, Gordon Brown has insisted that the UK will challenge the vote, claiming limits on working hours would harm business.
"Freedom of choice over working hours has operated successfully in the UK and a number of member states for many years and I continue to support the opt-out which gives that choice to UK workers," the prime minister said.
19 December 2008.
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