The
argument about the British opt-out from the 48-hour limit in the European Working
Time Directive looks set to re-ignite after a Europe-wide survey found that Britons
work 100 hours longer each year than workers in other European countries.
On
average, staff in the UK work eight-and-a-half hours a day – equivalent to 43
hours a week. This compares with 38.8 hours in France and 39.6 hours in
Germany, according to research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD).
The
report said part-time working meant UK employees enjoyed some of the most
flexible hours in Europe, but get less holiday than their EU neighbours;
averaging five weeks a year. Workers in Europe get an average of eight weeks
off.
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protection in the UK was also deemed particularly weak, with only the US having
more restricted employee rights, the report said.
