Press Release

EU Employment deal: Ministers pop corks whilst small businesses drown their sorrows

10 June 2008

The outcome of the EU’s employment ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg will be seen as a mixed bag by Britain’s small businesses, the UK’s Federation of Small Businesses said today.

Small businesses will welcome the UK’s continued opt-out from the 48-hour maximum working week, which enables employers to respond to busy periods and employees the ability to earn extra cash.  

However, the price for securing the opt-out was far too high. Britain’s concessions to Trade Union demands on agency workers will cause untold damage to small businesses’ ability to explore new opportunities to expand.

Tina Sommer, FSB Chairman, EU and International Affairs, said:

“Retention of the UK’s Working Time Directive opt-out is welcome, but the price was far too high for employees and employers alike. Why should we be forced to choose between the two?  

“While British Ministers pop champagne corks and hail this deal as a triumph, Britain's entrepreneurs will be drowning their sorrows. 

“In these difficult economic times, small businesses need to be flexible in order to grow, and this directive will be like a steel rod for their backs.

“The back-room manner in which this deal was negotiated by big business and Trade Unions should be of great concern to all those who will suffer the consequences.”