The European Commission has agreed to extend the period for the European social partners to agree on the reform of the EU Working Time Directive to 31 December 2012. Negotiations began in December 2011 to update the working time rules to reflect the needs of employers and workers in the 21st century. Negotiations are making progress but certain Member States including the UK are adamant that the opt out from the 48 hour week must be retained as being of vital importance to UK businesses.
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