'We need greater employment flexibility in these troubled times'- Bowles

11.05.49am GMT Tue 11th Nov 2008

Sharon Bowles has criticised the action of UK Labour MEPs who voted against Britain's exemption from a 48 hour maximum working week.

The UK reached an agreement back in June whereby Britain would support an agency's workers directive in return for being allowed to retain its opt-up from the 48 hour working week.

This was however overturned by Labour and Socialist MEPs last week who voted on the issue in the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.

Commenting Sharon said:

"My colleague Liz Lynne has worked tirelessly to ensure that the UK retains this opt out so long as there are stricter conditions on its use.

"As Britain enters recession businesses need greater flexibility in regards to working hours.

"We should not be putting obstacles in the way of hard working people who are tightening their belts and who want to boost their earnings in difficult economic times.

"People should have freedom to choose what hours they work, so long as this is truly voluntary. Workers are already protected by stringent health and safety legislation."

The issue will now be debated by the full Parliament next month.