| Industry News |
|
| News » Employment Law » MEPs vote to 'scrap' working week opt-out |
|
19/12/2008
MEPs vote to 'scrap' working week opt-out |
|
Members of the European parliament (MEPs) have chosen to end the UK's ability to opt-out of European Union rules that restrict working hours, it has emerged.
On a vote of 421 to 273, MEPs elected to remove Britain's opt-out from the maximum 48-hour week - which was negotiated back in 1993 - and force employers to adhere to maximum working hours.
However, prime minister Gordon Brown told a news conference that he believes it is "wrong" to remove the right for employees to "work longer and earn more" if they wish.
He added that the termination of the opt-out is "bad for business" and he supports the choice that it offers to workers.
"Freedom of choice over working hours has operated successfully in the UK and a number of member states for many years," Mr Brown added.
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, described the decision as an "early Christmas present" for these who work hard in Britain and see very little of their families.  |
| |
| Related Articles |
12/01/2010
Firm faces discrimination claims over redundancies
Fujitsu is facing claims that its redundancy policy has deliberately targeted people from minority groups.
|
12/01/2010
Retirement age law change planned
The current compulsory retirement age of 65 should be abolished, according to a senior member of the government.
|
07/01/2010
Employees 'should be treated reasonably' in snow
Employees have a right to be treated reasonably by their bosses as the winter weather hits Britain, the Chartered Institute of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has said.
|
05/01/2010
Taxi firm caught out over equal pay
A taxi firm has lost a legal case for sex discrimination after paying a female employee, whose husband also worked for the company.
|
05/01/2010
Action urged on age discrimination
More action is needed to ensure age discrimination legislation is enforced, it has been argued.
|
News Archive