UK businesses should be able to opt-out of working time directive

Speaking after the European Parliament’s Employment Committee voted to scrap the UK opt-out from the working time directive, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) David Frost said:

"As we face tougher economic times it is vitally important that employers and employees benefit from the flexibility provided by the UK’s opt-out from the working time directive.

"We want the European Parliament will vote against the Committee’s decision scrap the UK opt-out and allow employees the freedom to work longer hours when they choose to do so.

"Abolishing the opt-out will constrain businesses at a time when they are key to lifting the UK out of recession. It could mean lower earnings and lower living standards for many workers."

Ends

Media Contacts:

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

OR

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.