robby

Does anyone know when the EU 48 hour max working week comes into effect?

my employer says it's next year but i thought it was this year?

john_s

iTrader: (1)

48 hour limit is already in effect, with an opt out where employees can agree to work over that if they wish. I don't think it's been agreed yet that the opt out is being removed.

I may be wrong, but that's how I understand the situation is at the moment.

John.

Madjay2

whats the point in having it if companys can opt out?

Scooby-Doo

It is already in effect but it all depends on how well your company has handled the communication on the ruling. I work for a company where I would estimate that 95 % of staff break 48 hours each week but we all know the rules and are more than happy working there.

Mental note......Must not miss birth of second child .

john_s

iTrader: (1)

It's not that companies that opt out. Employees can opt out if they wish to work more than 48 hours in a week. The idea behind the limit being that an employee cannot be "forced" to work over 48 hours.

John.

Dracoro

It just so happens that you might not get the job if you don't sign the opt-out.

Depends on the role as to whether it's an issue. I've opted out but rarely ever get much over 40 hrs and when I do, I get time in lieu. On the flipside, there will of course be other companies that want to screw every last hour out of you they can will no benefit/reward.

Scoobs_4ever

John's right - Company's dont opt out - you do!

The 48-hours is an average measurement of the hours worked over a 17 week period.

That is all you can opt out of.