Motion to reject the European Working Time Directive — rejected — 10 Mar 2009 at 21:44

The majority No voters rejected a motion^[1] on the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). The motion argued against the introduction of this rule on the UK because it threatened the effectiveness of Britain's public services and would lead to a loss in productivity. The EWTD imposes a 48-hour week on all workers except if they choose to opt-out of it.

An amendment^[2] was then proposed that agreed that it was right that "No worker should be required to work longer than 48 hours per week averaged over 26 weeks unless he or she freely chooses to do so..." and stressed that the Government's manifesto committed the Government to maintaining the individual opt-out from the European Working Time Directive.

The Aye-voters failed in their attempt to carry the motion and the amendment was thus carried instead. In effect, the Aye-voters were voting against the imposition of the European Working Time Directive.

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• [1] Andrew Lansley MP, House of Commons, 10 March 2009
• [2] Alan Johnson MP, House of Commons, 10 March 2009

Debate in Parliament | Source |