Working Time Directive opt-out needed now more than ever
Posted, November 04, 2008 @ 17:00
Labour MEPs aren't working
Brussels, 4th November 2008 -- The worst thing MEPs can do for British workers is to vote to end the UK's opt-out of the Working Time Directive on Wednesday, Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, Conservative leader in the European Parliament said today ahead of the Employment committee vote on Wednesday morning.
In June, the UK government was able to reach agreement on the opt-out amongst EU employment ministers - by giving way on another controversial employment package concerning agency workers.
But now MEPs from the left - supported by Labour MEPs - are attempting to undo the government's deal and scrap the UK's all-important opt-out of the 48-hour maximum working week.
On Monday, the European Commission warned that unemployment in the UK is set to soar to 7.1 percent, even with the UK opt-out.
Mr Bushill-Matthews, who is also Conservative employment spokesman, said:
"Scrapping the UK's opt-out would be dire news for workers and businesses. The European Commission has warned that British unemployment is set to soar, yet left-wing MEPs seem hell-bent on passing legislation that would exacerbate the current situation.
"As Christmas approaches, families are looking for ways to make ends meet. While anti-social working patterns should be discouraged, it is not the place of MEPs to tell people how long they are allowed to work.
"During a recession we should be encouraging hard work, not outlawing it; and enabling personal choice rather than restricting it.
"The Labour government's rhetoric on supporting workers and small businesses through this difficult period must be met with similar action from Labour MEPs. It is time for Gordon Brown to get a grip on his MEPs and demand they back British jobs."