Working Time Directive will help improve industry's poor image

NINE out of 10 personnel managers in hospitality believe the Working Time Directive will bring long-term benefits to the industry, says a study from recruitment consultant Portfolio International.

While trade associations have warned that the new law could cost millions and cause major headaches for the industry, 92% of those questioned in the survey believe the new law could prove a boon.

Virgin Hotels' Lynn Weimer told researchers: "It will improve the profile of our industry, which is still viewed as long hours for low rewards."

Introduced last October, the regulations provide for a 48-hour working week, compulsory rest periods between shifts, and a minimum three weeks' paid leave.

Portfolio polled human resource managers from 50 firms, ranging from independent and chain hotels to operators of visitor attractions.

Despite the positive response, more than 65% of those questioned said they could have done with more time to put the regulations into practice.

And, with 67% finding the rules hard to understand and 61% reporting problems in implementing them, many firms felt compelled to seek advice from lawyers.

Their biggest problems were working out how to apply the exemptions, and determining who was responsible for holiday entitlements for casual and temporary staff.