Discussions over review of Working Time Directive to resume
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6.5.2011 Discussions over review of Working Time Directive to resume Representatives of employee and employer groups are due to resume their debate over potential amendments to the Working Time Directive in the coming months. However, the exact areas for discussion have yet to be agreed. The European Commission launched a consultation in 2010 to review the Directive but previous attempts to discuss amendments fell through. The next phase in attempting to amend the Directive is currently on hold while the representatives decide whether they want to get together to try and agree how the law can be changed. Amongst the controversial issues at stake are: • the opt-out from the 48-hour week, which allows workers in the UK and other countries to go beyond the agreed weekly 48-hour working cap; The scope of the talks remains contentious, with business groups preferring to focus on narrow issues and employee groups seeking a comprehensive discussion of all provisions. It is anticipated that before June 2011, the representative groups will obtain clearance for discussions to begin, with a letter then sent to the Commission to indicate the start of such discussions. After nine months, the Commission would then amend the Directive or, if the issues have not been resolved, extend the time for debate.
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