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12 May 2005 - EU Assembly Votes on UK Work
Time Opt-out
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The EU Assembly, held yesterday (Wednesday), voted on the UK's
opt-out work time of 48 hours maximum working week with a decision being made to
scrap the opt-out.
The vote was 378 to 262 with 15 abstentions to abolish the
proposed 3 year provision allowed by Governments for companies to ignore the
limit.
The legislative process is a very complex one and the proposals
will now return to the executive European Commission for revision.
Employment Minister Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe said:
"We are very disappointed that they have taken this decision.
"I think that the European employment ministers will accept
our position."
However, a report by Mr. Alejandro Cercas, Spanish Socialist
said that the opt-out had led to major abuses, highlighting the health and
safety risks.
In a statement, Mr. Digby Jones, CBI Director General commented:
"There is no place for handcuffs in a competitive economy --
as long as employees work in safe conditions and have freedom of choice they
should also have the freedom to work."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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