Working time directive unworkable

"Time's Up - The case against the EU's 48 hour working week" (PDF)

Author: Open Europe

Publication date: 16 March 2009

A fierce critique of the EU's plans to make it illegal for UK citizens to work longer than 48 hours per week by way of the proposed Working Time Directive. The report argues that such a limitation would be completely impractical for a whole host of occupations (including front-line public servants) and would equally invade the liberty of those who wish to work longer hours to provide more money for their families. The report estimates a potential cost to the UK economy of between £9.2billion and £11.9billion if the Directive is implemented and questions the logic of passing such legislation particularly in the middle of a global recession.