CBI COMMENTS ON BRUSSELS VOTE ON WORKING TIME
The CBI today commented on the vote by the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on proposals to stop people choosing to work more than 48 hours per week.
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: “This vote by a small number of politicians is worrying because it shows how out of touch they are.
“Currently, people can work more than 48 hours a week if they choose. In hard times, they can do extra hours to support their family. In a company fighting for survival, they can go the extra mile. People in medical research can work longer if they wish. The proposals would end this, replacing freedom with frustration.
“We think people can look at their own circumstances and make their own decision about working longer hours. We call this common sense, and it doesn’t need amending by Brussels.
“We call on other MEPs to throw out these proposed, misguided amendments when they vote in December.”
5 November, 2008
Notes to Editors:The CBI is the UK's leading business organisation, speaking for some 240,000 businesses that together employ around a third of the private sector workforce. With offices across the UK as well as in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and New Delhi, the CBI coordinates British business representation around the world.
Media Contact:CBI press office, 020 7395 8090, out-of-hours pager 07623 977 854.