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.
Job
protection in the UK was also deemed particularly weak, with only the US having
more restricted employee rights, the report said.
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