News
Employment Law Update (April 2009)
Future of Working Time opt-out still in balance
Representatives from the UK have been unable to secure a deal on
changes to the Working Time Directive that would allow the UK to
retain the 48 hour working week "opt-out" provisions. If agreement
cannot be reached, the European Parliament has decreed that the
opt-out will have to go within three years.
However, the government remains hopeful of negotiating a deal in
the months to come, in spite of the European Parliament voting down
the previous proposals.
It seems likely that a deal will eventually be struck that
allows the opt-out to continue but subject to different conditions
to the present situation, which allows employees to opt out
individually and from day one of their employment.
Mentor will keep you informed of developments and any action you
should take.