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Losing opt-out would put UK competitiveness at risk

23/09/08 | 13:41

Commenting on suggestions that the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive will end, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"Maintaining the UK’s opt-out from the Working Time Directive must be an absolute priority for the Government. It was on this condition that changes to temporary agency workers' rights gained support earlier in the year.

"Employees need to be given the ability to define their own working hours, whilst a flexible supply of skilled labour remains essential for UK businesses operating in a global market. Losing the opt-out would put both our flexibility and future competitiveness at serious risk."

Ends

Media Contacts:

Fiona Cunningham
Tel: 020 7654 5812
Email: f.cunningham@britishchambers.org.uk

Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.

Other related links: UK businesses should be able to opt-out of working time directive
[05/11/08 12:27]

Speaking after the European Parliament’s Employment Committee voted to scrap the UK opt-out from the working time directive; Working time opt-out is essential to British business
[15/12/08 16:15]

MEPs will vote on whether to end the UK’s opt-out from the Working Time Directive on Wednesday

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