Euro-MP Welcomes Working Time Stalemate

6.09.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jun 2005

The Liberal Democrat Employment Spokesperson and Shadow Rapporteur for the ALDE group on the Working Time Directive in the European Parliament Liz Lynne MEP has welcomed the news that attempts to get rid of the opt-out have stalled.

Employment Ministers had to reach a decision by Qualified Majority Voting but there was enough votes from the UK and others to stop a vote on the Commission's proposal.

Speaking after Ministers failed to vote on the European Commissions proposals Liz said:

"I am delighted that removing the voluntary opt-out appears to be off the agenda. Today's decision now means the process is in limbo and unlikely to be resolved in the foreseeable future.

"Last month Labour MEPs dealt Tony Blair a bloody nose by voting to remove the opt-out, now the UK Government have hit back. Those opposed to the opt-out are not living in the real world and are instead caught up in some idealistic view of working life. They fail to address the real problems scrapping the opt-out will cause, especially for those employed in seasonal work or on short term-contracts.

"Removing the opt-out would also lead to more people working illegally and therefore not covered by other health & safety legislation including the one covering working with dangerous machinery. We must clamp down on the black economy not encourage it."

ENDS