Could you survive on a 48 hour week ?

In June, the UK agreed with other EU members that Britain could remain outside the directive in exchange for boosting temporary workers' rights. But the continued opt-out must be endorsed by the European Parliament, and its employment committee is now considering ending it in three years' time !! Labour MEPs have defied the Government by backing moves to end the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive, which aims to limit the working week to 48 hours. The employment and social affairs committee of the European Parliament voted to scrap the opt-out today 05/11/08, a decision which goes directly against the position of Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Labour MEPs were among the 35 who voted in favour, with 13 against ending the opt-out.

The issue will now be debated by the European Parliament next month.A final decision will be taken at a summit of leaders of the 27 member states, at which Britain will not have a veto!! (no say)

Business groups criticised the vote, arguing that workers should be given the option of whether to work longer hours, or overtime.Alistair Tebbit, head of EU and employment policy at the Institute of Directors, said: "MEPs have made a big mistake by voting in favour for abolition of the opt-out from a maximum 48 hour week. As the EU enters recession, employers need more flexibility, not less.

"If the opt-out goes it would become much harder for businesses to adjust the working hours of employees to meet changes in trading conditions. These new restrictions would impact on business performance and ultimately destroy jobs. This is the last thing the economy needs as businesses try to cope with the downturn.
"We urge the Government to fight for retention of the opt-out with every ounce of effort it can muster." (Hardly we cant veto it )

An estimated 1.7million regularly work more than 48 hours - with the tourism and catering industries, farmers, medical researchers and offshore workers likely to be worst affected if a cap is imposed by Brussels.

The opt-out should be retained "because workers want it" . Could you survive on a 48 hour week ? the new law could cost thousands of people the chance to do overtime or there every day job. Regardless of whether you agree with this new legislation or not, How did we get to the position of allowing some unelected, unemployable politician decide on just how much a worker can earn?.This just go's to show how much Britain has lost control and is no longer able to govern herself , we must leave the EU immediently.