Manufacturers urge Europe to keep working time opt out

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 31 Mar 2004 9:38

With the European Commission’s consultation exercise on the Working Time Directive coming to an end today, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, is calling for the Commission to retain the individual opt out from the average 48 hour working week.

EEF is also asking for the default reference period for averaging working time to be extended from four to 12 months. EEF Deputy Director of Employment Policy, David Yeandle, said: “The retention of the individual opt out from the average 48 hour working week remains an important issue for many manufacturing companies as its removal would pose a threat to the successful and efficient operation of their businesses. It is therefore encouraging that the UK Government is taking such a firm line on this issue in support of British manufacturing. This should ensure continued flexibility for both employers and employees.”

A new survey of 750 long hours workers, conducted for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), found that although almost half believed their companies encouraged them to work long hours, three out of four had voluntarily signed an individual opt-out to the Directive.

Gerwyn Davies, author of the report, said: "Our survey shows that long hours workers are opposed to the removal of the opt-out and in particular any moves to restrict their freedom to choose to work long hours. The issue of long hours working is complex, deep-seated and ingrained in the culture of organisations and cannot be addressed by a uniform ban. The negative effects of long hours working are evident from the report, but these are best solved by employer measures such as flexible working arrangements rather than a blanket ban on long hours working."

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