Euro-MP defiant on 48-hour working

The Journal, May 19th 2005

The North-East Euro-MP at the centre of moves to prevent employees working more than 48 hours a week has defended his actions, despite calls for him to meet with regional business leaders.

Stephen Hughes will today face protests about his decision to vote against Britain's opt-out of European employment legislation which would see the majority of employees restricted to a 48-hour week - even if they wanted to work longer.

Sunderland solicitor and anti-Europe campaigner Neil Herron is challenging Mr Hughes to meet with business chiefs in the North-East today, saying they had not been consulted by the Labour MEP.

However Mr Hughes told The Journal it was vital to protect work-life balance saying: "Far too many people are forced to work far too many hours."

Britain is the only country to use wholesale opt-out of the Working Time Directive, claiming a flexible labour market is crucial to continued economic survival.

But Mr Hughes says only 9pc of British workers would be affected by the rules - and only those with employment contracts.

He added: "The Government has been dragging its feet on this issue, and when they came into power they knew that sooner or later they would have to comply.

"We really do need to bring about a proper balance of work and family life in Britain, there is a lot of talk about it but not enough done."

The European Parliament is calling on Britain to impose a maximum 48-hour working week averaged over a 12-month period. Self-employed people would be exempt, but Mr Hughes said it would be wrong to allow employers to force lorry drivers and factory workers to work even longer hours.

"Some people say they can see the arguments to restrict the hours of a lorry driver but what about the factory worker who does a double shift and is suffering fatigue. People should be allowed to balance their family and work lives."

Mr Herron said: "There has been a lot of protest about this and a public meeting would be one way for Mr Hughes to explain his decisions."