MEPs vote to scrap 48-hour week opt-out

Members of the European Parliament’s employment and social affairs committee have voted to scrap the UK’s opt-out of the 48-hour working week under the working time directive.

Thirty-five MEPs, including Labour members, voted to outlaw the right to work more than 48 hours a week, while 13 voted to retain it. The directive will come before the full European Parliament next month, when all members will have the chance to vote.
 

It’s untenable to have a normal retirement age in public-sector schemes that is significantly different from the state retirement age

Brian Bailey, Director of pensions, West Midlands Pension Fund and member of High Pay Commission