The 48 hour week

MEPs have voted to scrap the opt-out to the Working Time Directive, which could bring an end to the UK's exercise of the clause, which it won in 1993. Following a second-reading debate, the European Parliament voted in favour of ending the right to opt-out of the Directive, which would mean that workers could no longer work more than 48 hours a week. MEPs said the opt-out must end three years after the revised Directive is adopted. The new proposals state that the average 48-hour working week should be calculated over 12 months, and on-call time should count as working time.

For workers with more than one job, working time shall be the sum of the periods worked under each employment contract. The Directive will not apply to chief executive officers, senior managers directly subordinate to them, and persons directly appointed by a board of directors. TUC general secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "Britain's workers will still be working hard to get the British economy back on its feet, but they will now be protected from the stress, heart disease, and accidents that result from persistent long hours. And their families will get their Mums and Dads back."

But business leaders called the amendments misguided. John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, said: "Trying to ban people from choosing to work more than 48 hours a week is a mistake, and would replace opportunity with obstruction. In the current downturn, a family might depend on one parent being able to work extra hours if the other loses their job."
"Many people want to work longer hours, in professions from manufacturing to medical research. They do so to further their careers or earn extra money, or to help their firm through difficulties. They should be able to do so if they choose."

What's your view, is the 48 hour week a useful instrument to prevent over-working or a barrier to productivity and profitability?

Email the editor at: knowhoweditor@eriks.co.uk to have your say.