Following strong CBI lobbying, the opt-out of the 48 hour working week has been retained.
Negotiations between the European Parliament, Council of Ministers and European Commission on a revised text for the EU Working Time Directive collapsed without agreement.
This brings an end to five years of attempts to agree a new text. The current directive, which retains the opt-out, remains in place and it is now up to the Commission on what to do next.
Email: ben.digby@cbi.org.uk or Emma Watkins
CBI deputy director-general John Cridland called for a measured and proportionate approach to regulation of private equity and hedge funds following the publication of the EU Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers.
John stressed that the draft regulations could slow the UK recovery from the current recession and the additional costs which would be levied on companies and funds could divert much needed investment outside the UK.
Email: ben.digby@cbi.org.uk
With the European Parliament elections fast approaching we will be closely monitoring the activities of the Parliament as they seek to reach agreement on a range of dossiers of relevance to business.
From 8 April the parliament will not be accepting any new proposals from the Commission or Council Common Positions until 8 August.
During this period the parliament will decide on group positions and undertake hearings for the new Commissioners and will not begin to consider any new legislation until 24 August at the earliest.
We will be closely monitor the institutional changes and should you require any information on the new MEPs, the Commission hearings, or the prospective priorities in the new institutions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email: ben.digby@cbi.org.uk