Manufacturers urge MEPs to vote down working time amendments

Proposed changes to the Working Time Directive would threaten the retention of the individual opt out and thereby remove a vital component of the flexibility of the UK labour market

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation is urging all UK MEPs to vote against damaging amendments to the Working Time Directive at a key meeting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week week. (Tuesday and Wednesday)

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, fears that proposed changes to this Directive would threaten the retention of the individual opt out and thereby remove a vital component of the flexibility of the UK labour market. EEF believes that any changes that are made to the Working Time Directive must retain the right of individuals to opt out of the average 48 hour working week and allow working time to be averaged over 52 weeks without conditions that impose costs and administrative burdens on employers.

EEF is particularly concerned that some Labour MEPs appear determined to support amendments to the Commission's proposed changes to this Directive, despite them being at serious odds with the views being expressed by the UK Government which is fighting hard in the Council of Ministers to retain the individual opt out.

EEF Deputy Director of Employment Policy, David Yeandle, said:

“We would urge all UK MEPs to reject these damaging amendments to the Commission's proposal that would remove the individual opt out and undermine the UK’s labour market flexibility. The government must continue to stand firm and eyeball to eyeball with Brussels on this important issue.

Notes for editors

MEPs are voting on amendments to a revised proposal from the European Commission on the Working Time Directive (WTD). Amongst other things the Working Time Directive sets out the maximum numbers of hours an employee can be compelled to work in any week. However to ensure that business has flexibility and, just as importantly, allow workers to work longer should they so choose, there is a provision for employees to opt-out of the requirement. MEPs are likely to support amendments which would phase out this provision, and thus prevent employees from being allowed to decide their own working hours.

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has a membership of over 6,000 manufacturing, engineering and technology-based businesses and represents the interests of manufacturing at all levels of government. Comprising 11 regional Associations, the Engineering Construction Industries Association (ECIA) and UK Steel, EEF is one of the UK's leading providers of business services in employment relations and employment law, health, safety and environment, manufacturing performance, and education and skills.

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