The Confederation of British Industry has vowed to fight 'tooth and nail' against the European Union's plans to restrict the UK's ability to 'opt out' of the Working Time Directive. John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, said, 'This is an attempt to broker a compromise that has completely backfired'. 'The proposals show a clear misunderstanding of the UK's industrial relations culture, which serves this country well', he added. Business groups have voiced particular concern over proposals to allow trade unions a veto over working hours, as well as the requirement for firms to keep records of the hours worked by employees. The Forum of Private Business warned that the proposals were 'fatally flawed' and will impose severe constraints and significant new costs on small firms. Nick Goulding, Chief Executive of the FPB, said, 'Many small businesses on tight profit margins, employing only a few staff, rely on the flexibility of the employment market to make ends meet. This proposal will create massive problems for many small companies'.
Date:23 September 2004
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