Working Time - 48-hour week UK opt-out

The 1993 Working Time Directive provides for individuals to opt out of the 48-hour week (averaged over 4 months). In 2004 the European Commission tabled a proposal to amend the Working Time Directive.

The European Parliament had its First Reading of this proposal in May 2005.

The proposal is now with the Council of Ministers, but there is no deadline for the Council to reach its Common Position.

On further developments in respect of the Working Time Directive, please see the Legislative Observatory:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/file.jsp?id=5202562

(Last updated on 14 June 2006)