Workin Time Directive

MEPs will vote on Wednesday on whether Britain should be allowed to opt out proposed legislation which enforces a maximum 48-hour working week.

The European Parliament begins debating the European Working Time Directive in Strasbourg, deciding on whether Britain should be allowed to retain the right to work more than 48 hours. The British government agreed a compromise in return for agreeing equal pay and conditions for temporary workers.

MEPs will take a full vote on Wednesday which could force the European Parliament, Commission and Council of Ministers to reach a new deal by February.

The opt-out could then be scrapped in 2012, leaving hundreds of thousands of Britons working illegally long hours.