Brussels warns UK over working hours

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 29 Apr 2002 9:34
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The European Commission has ordered Britain to close loopholes in labour laws.

Brussels has opened legal action against Britain in a drive to force it to implement measures contained within a landmark EU employment directive.

The proceedings followed a complaint from Amicus, Britain's second biggest union, that the UK government had "unlawfully and inadequately" implemented measures limiting the working week to 48 hours.

Serious concerns were also raised about British employees' rights to shift breaks and holidays.

The commission's decision was welcomed by Amicus general secretary Roger Lyons as a "historic victory for British workers".

But employers' organisations warned that fully implementing measures within the EU's working time directive would erode the competitiveness of UK firms. The CBI’s deputy director general John Cridland said: "Business will be deeply concerned about the Amicus action."

 

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