CBI praises UK opt-out of working time directive

The Senior Policy Advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has welcomed the UK's decision to opt out of the European Union working-time directive.

Louise Morgan was commenting on new EU-wide laws which regulate working hours and holiday.

The passing of the directive had been delayed for several years because Britain objected to the stipulation that employees can work no more than 48 hours a week, but it has now received an exemption from that particular law.

Ms Morgan suggested that it is the UK's labour market flexibility that makes it an attractive place for businesses to locate themselves, adding that although there are still restrictions in place, the opt-out is a 'good deal.'

'It's about workers having the right to choose their own working hours and employers having the flexibility to respond to peaks in demand,' she said.