Discussions are underway in Brussels over whether the UK can retain its opt out from the European Working Time Directive.
The Directive regulates how long employees work, how many breaks they have and holiday entitlements. Its aim is to ensure that no employee in the EU is obliged to work more than an average of 48 hours a week. However, the UK along with 14 other member states, had negotiated an opt-out from the Directive.
The opt-out has been under threat since MEPs voted to scrap it in December 2008, despite opposition from the Council, which represents national ministers. In an effort to break the subsequent standstill in negotiations the Council of Ministers has stepped in.
Unless a compromise is reached in time for the European elections, which take place in June, the current working time rules will stay in force.
The Directive regulates how long employees work, how many breaks they have and holiday entitlements. Its aim is to ensure that no employee in the EU is obliged to work more than an average of 48 hours a week. However, the UK along with 14 other member states, had negotiated an opt-out from the Directive.
The opt-out has been under threat since MEPs voted to scrap it in December 2008, despite opposition from the Council, which represents national ministers. In an effort to break the subsequent standstill in negotiations the Council of Ministers has stepped in.
Unless a compromise is reached in time for the European elections, which take place in June, the current working time rules will stay in force.
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