|
|
 |
|
United Kingdom:
Implementation of the working time directive
On 1 October, the provisions of the European Working Time Directive came into force in the UK. Under the directive, it will not be possible in most sectors to require employees to work for more than an average of 48 hours a week in any 17 week period, without obtaining their consent to do so in writing (‘opt-out’). Moreover, any attempt to discriminate against employees who exercise their right not to work for more than 48 hours a week in terms of pay or promotion will be illegal. The UK is the only EU country where the ‘opt out’ possibility exists, but even this limited scope for manoeuvre could disappear in 2003, when the Commission carries out a review of the situation. The new legislation also stipulates that employees must have a minimum of 15 days’ paid leave in 1998, rising to 20 days in 1999, and regulates the provision of rest breaks.
The news contained in the Newsbriefs section of The Multinational is drawn from the ‘Hot Topics’ section of the ‘Information for Multinationals’ page on the Watson Wyatt Worldwide website. Visit us at http://www.watsonwyatt.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us 