Calls made for rejection of changes to working time laws

An industry body has registered its opposition to potential changes in European law which would prevent UK people from choosing to work more than a 48-hour week.

Under current legislation, employees are permitted to opt out of the 48-hour maximum working week.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), three million workers in Britain do precisely this, people with legal jobs may wish to note.

However, Alejandro Cercas, a member of the European parliament in the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, is proposing amendments to the directive in order to prevent such extensions.

Commenting on the issue, CBI deputy director-general John Cridland said: "These proposed amendments are misguided.

"In hard times, somebody may want to work extra hours to help support their family. Staff in a company that's fighting for survival may choose to work longer hours."

With a network of offices in the UK, Beijing, Brussels and Washington, the CBI aims to promote conditions in which UK firms can prosper.

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