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Journalism of Courage
Britain would have to seek permission from the executive European Commission to breach the maximum 48-hour working week under a draft obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, which looks certain to irk London.
The Commission will unveil a compromise proposal of the so-called working time directive this week, aiming to appease opponents of Britain’s long hours culture. The European Parliament had voted to scrap Britain’s opt-out from the law within three years, citing widespread abuses and fears over worker safety.
Under the draft, Britain would be able to maintain its opt-out until 2012. London would then have to take Brussels’ permission to exceed the 48-hour work week. —Reuters
