Working time opt-out 'vital' for business start-ups

Date: 16th December 2008

Remaining outside the European Union's Working Time Directive is "essential" for British business start-ups, according to one organisation.

Officials at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) believe that the opt-out ensures the country's small firms remain competitive.

MEPs are due to vote on the subject tomorrow (December 17th) and the BCC is concerned that they could decide to join the directive, which would prevent employees from working more than 48 hours in a single week.

Director general of the BCC, David Frost, commented: "MEPs would be foolish to try and end the UK’s working time opt-out, especially during a painful recession.

“The opt-out provides the essential flexibility that many businesses and their employees are relying on to get through this downturn.”

Another pressing matter for business start-ups is the deadline for self-assessment tax returns, which must be filed online with HM Revenue and Customs January 31st.