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From The Times
May 11, 2005

Working hours opt-out threat

By Anthony Browne
BRITISH employees will be banned from working more than 48 hours a week even if they want to under proposals to be supported by Labour MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

In what amounts to the first rebellion faced by Tony Blair’s new Government, Labour MEPs will vote for legislation that will mean workers can no longer voluntarily “opt out” from EU working hours regulations. The British Government and businesses are strongly opposed to scrapping the opt-out, which they insist is essential for a flexible labour market. However, unions claim that the opt-out is being abused, and that workers are being forced to work longer than they want.

Under the reforms, expected to be passed, the opt-out would go over three years, making it illegal to work more than 48 hours a week even if workers and employers agree to it.

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