48 Hour working week?

[Howitzer]

Now from what I understand this has been in place for a while but you can opt out of it?

So, if they do indeed vote in the EU to stop the opt out, does this literally mean yu will not be able to work for more than 48 hours in 1 week at all? Or is that just for someones standard working week?

Dave!

[Raffles]

How would they enforce this? I do 12 hours a day 7 days a week for 2/3 weeks at a time. The only way I could do it is if they took the avarage hours worked over a 6 week period then avarage it over the weeks.

Even they I prob don't comply...

[Howitzer]

Raffles said:

How would they enforce this? I do 12 hours a day 7 days a week for 2/3 weeks at a time. The only way I could do it is if they took the avarage hours worked over a 6 week period then avarage it over the weeks.

Even they I prob don't comply...

This is my problem too, I do 12 hours a day 7 days a week for 13 weeks (Not meant as a Tommy Topper ) and if they enforced this rule my wages would take a massive nosedive and i'd be financially screwed.

Dave!

[plasticpig]

Its a 48 hour week average over a 17 week period. So you can work longer in some particular weeks. The self employed will still be exempt I believe which includes company directors.

[Howitzer]

plasticpig said:

Its a 48 hour week average over a 17 week period. So you can work longer in some particular weeks. The self employed will still be exempt I believe which includes company directors.

So they are basically stoppig hard working types from doing well for themselves?

Dave!

[Ballon]

In the Public sector it is more likely to be adhered to but certainly in the private sector, not a 'cat in hells chance'.

IMHO it's all a load of b*****s. Try putting it into practice, particularly in this current economic climate.

[W17GLE]

I work for Royal mail and you can sign a disclaimer to say you are willing to work over the 48 hours.

[Howitzer]

W17GLE said:

I work for Royal mail and you can sign a disclaimer to say you are willing to work over the 48 hours.

From my understanding, this vote is to remove the option of opting out.

Dave!

[rhinochopig]

Nobody on PH "works" more than 48 hours a week. That's why there are several million posts.

[plasticpig]

Howitzer said:

W17GLE said:

I work for Royal mail and you can sign a disclaimer to say you are willing to work over the 48 hours.

From my understanding, this vote is to remove the option of opting out.

Dave!

It is indeed. You would only be able to (9*7) * 13 in your job!

[Howitzer]

<Being melodramatic>

Ahh well, having dreams is overrated anyway.

Dave!

[tribbles]

Howitzer said:

plasticpig said:

Its a 48 hour week average over a 17 week period. So you can work longer in some particular weeks. The self employed will still be exempt I believe which includes company directors.

So they are basically stoppig hard working types from doing well for themselves?

Err - I don't think so. I thought the legislation was to prevent companies from forcing workers from working too long over a period of time. If you want to opt out so you can work more, you can do so.

[plasticpig]

tribbles said:

Howitzer said:

plasticpig said:

Its a 48 hour week average over a 17 week period. So you can work longer in some particular weeks. The self employed will still be exempt I believe which includes company directors.

So they are basically stoppig hard working types from doing well for themselves?

Err - I don't think so. I thought the legislation was to prevent companies from forcing workers from working too long over a period of time. If you want to opt out so you can work more, you can do so.

No. The European parliament are voting to end Britains opt out. This would mean there would be no opt out option for employees.

[becksW]

tribbles said:

Howitzer said:

plasticpig said:

Its a 48 hour week average over a 17 week period. So you can work longer in some particular weeks. The self employed will still be exempt I believe which includes company directors.

So they are basically stoppig hard working types from doing well for themselves?

Err - I don't think so. I thought the legislation was to prevent companies from forcing workers from working too long over a period of time. If you want to opt out so you can work more, you can do so.

It's actually trying to protect employees. I do 40/wk which is enough for me and I'm not a slacker (4 days a week I'm away from home 7am-7pm - inc travelling time). I used to do more and be on call at least one night a week sometimes 2 and have to work the next day every week, this would have protected me then as I was technically always working more than 48hrs per week.

[Howitzer]

What about those who wish to work harder and make something of themselves ?

I think it is correct to set a maximum amount of time you can be forced to work in your contract, but is the employees right to decide how much work he or she is happy to do for the benefit of themselves and the company.

Dave!

[Benny Saltstein]

Howitzer said:

What about those who wish to work harder and make something of themselves ?

I think it is correct to set a maximum amount of time you can be forced to work in your contract, but is the employees right to decide how much work he or she is happy to do for the benefit of themselves and the company.

Dave!

Exactly right. Plenty of people choose to work paid overtime to boost their earnings, or put in the extra time to build their careers. Despite what the EU and unions think, not every employer is Mr Gradgrind.

[JagLover]

Howitzer said:

What about those who wish to work harder and make something of themselves ?

I think it is correct to set a maximum amount of time you can be forced to work in your contract, but is the employees right to decide how much work he or she is happy to do for the benefit of themselves and the company.

Of Course

The EU primary aim seems to be as a club of indolent slackers sheltering together from global competition.

[R39S1]

Don't forget the 11 hour rule. This one is tucked away in the working time regs. There has to be a break of 11 hours from when you finish work to when you start again, and there is no opt out on this one, but then agaan no one seems to pay it any notice.

[Iain H]

I hope this doesn't come in. I work 40 hours a week in my day job and 16 hours a week in my evening job. I need everything I get at the moment, if they stoped me working 56 hours a week I would be seriously strapped for cash!

[RJDM3]

whats a 48hour week? i would love one of those rather than the 60 to 70hrs normaly do