CBI: Britain must opt out of 48-hour week

News Article - 22 May 2012
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The deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said that it is "vital" that Britain opts out of the 48-hour working week proposals.

Trade secretary Alistair Darling is to meet with counterparts in Europe to discuss Finnish proposals on the Working Time Directive, in a bid to defend Britain's opt-out, which was first secured in 1998.

John Cridland of the CBI said: "The ability to opt-out of the 48-hour working week rules imposed by the Working Time Directive is vital to both individuals in the UK and the economy as a whole.

"Just as nobody should be forced to work more than 48 hours in a week, anyone who willingly chooses to should be allowed."

Mr Cridland said that the option should be a "basic right" and called for the government to protect its former decision.

The proposals put forward by the Finnish president of the European Union would set a 60-hour compulsory limit to working weeks, with new employees being forced to work less than a 48-hour week initially.

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