Press release
The outcome of the EU’s employment ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg will be seen as a mixed bag by Britain’s small businesses, the UK’s Federation of Small Businesses said today.
Small businesses will welcome the UK’s continued opt-out from the 48-hour maximum working week, which enables employers to respond to busy periods and employees the ability to earn extra cash.
However, the price for securing the opt-out was far too high. Britain’s concessions to Trade Union demands on agency workers will cause untold damage to small businesses’ ability to explore new opportunities to expand.
Tina Sommer, FSB Chairman, EU and International Affairs,
said:
“Retention of the UK’s Working Time Directive opt-out is welcome, but the
price was far too high for employees and employers alike. Why should we be
forced to choose between the two?
“In these difficult economic times, small businesses need to be flexible in order to grow, and this directive will be like a steel rod for their backs.
