UK in Talks Over EU Time Directive Opt-Out

Discussions are underway in Brussels over whether the UK can retain
its opt out from the European Working Time Directive.

The Directive regulates how long employees work, how many breaks they
have and holiday entitlements. Its aim is to ensure that no employee
in the EU is obliged to work more than an average of 48 hours a week.
However, the UK along with 14 other member states, had negotiated an
opt-out from the Directive.

The opt-out has been under threat since MEPs voted to scrap it in
December 2008, despite opposition from the Council, which represents
national ministers. In an effort to break the subsequent standstill in
negotiations the Council of Ministers has stepped in.

Unless a compromise is reached in time for the European elections,
which take place in June, the current working time rules will stay in
force.