Working Time Stalemate - Lynne

10.11.57am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Jun 2006

Liz Lynne MEP and Liberal Democrat Employment spokesperson in the European Parliament speaking today after the Council of Ministers failed to reach agreement on the Working Time Directive last night said,

"I am sorry that no conclusion was reached on retaining the opt-out."

"It is all very fine for other countries who flout the rules anyway saying they want to get rid of it, but for the UK and some other countries it is important that we retain flexibility at the same time as protecting workers."

"The opt out has to be truly voluntary but without it a lot of people will be denied the ability to do overtime. Also, many people would be encouraged to work illegally. We must clamp down on the black economy not encourage it.

"I am glad the Government stood firm I just hope that when it does eventually come back to the European Parliament that their own Labour MEPs will support them and change their mind."

ENDS.

Notes to Editors

Liz Lynne MEP is shadow rapporteur on the working time directive for the ALDE group. On 10 May 2005 the European Parliament voted 345 votes in favour with 264 against Cercas' report on the review of the Working Time Directive. The most significant element for the UK was agreement on the amendment to phase-out the individual opt-out to the 48 hour week 36 months after entry into force of the new directive. 378 MEPs voted in favour of this amendment, 262 against.

If an agreement is reached in the Council of Ministers the report will return to Parliament for a second reading.