WTD vote may stifle British workers' overtime

Fears that British workers will lose their right to work more than 48-hours a week heightened last week as Labour MEPs rallied to ban the opt-out.

Despite Government backing to retain Britain's right to opt-out of the 48-hour week, Labour MEPs have teamed up with French socialists to change the current Working Time Directive (WTD).

At present, the WTD allows UK firms to decide their own working hours. Amending the WTD would strip employees of their right to work more than 48 hours a week.

However Martin Couchman, of the British Hospitality Association said a compromise could be reached: "With an election coming up, Labour MEPs may not want to be seen going against the current Government policy to keep the opt-out. It may be that they will try and reach some kind of a compromise with European socialists," he said.

The Forum for Private Business (FPB) is opposing the amendment but admitted that the vote is likely to be close.

"It is ludicrous," said a spokesman for the pressure group. "A lot of people want to work longer hours because the overtime money helps pay the bills and put bread on the table."

The next vote to review the WTD takes places on the 20 April.

By Victoria Heath

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