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12-Jun-08 11:15 [Pay and Reward]
UK retains 48 hour opt-out The UK government has retained the opt-out deal that allows employees to work longer than 48 hours a week.
At a meeting of European employment ministers on Monday, the EU member states voted to allow the UK to retain its exemption from the 48 hour working week directive.
It was also announced that there will be a review of the opt-out in the next eight years.
Business secretary John Hutton, said: "It provides a fair deal for workers without damaging Britain's economic competitiveness or putting jobs at risk."
He added that flexibility had previously enabled Britain to create three million extra jobs over the past decade and the agreement continues to allow workers to have choice over their working hours.
The working time regulations allow for an employee over 18 years-old to work more than 48 hours a week if they choose do so, however it must be voluntary and agreed in writing.
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