Concerns grow over possible impact of WTD

Politicians have voiced their concerns on the impact of the European Union's Working Time Directive (WTD), which may stop workers like retained firefighters from opting out of the current maximum 48-hour working week.

Speaking in a Westminster debate, Malcolm Bruce, the Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, pressed the case for maintaining as much flexibility as possible in the fire service provision for his area, north east Scotland.

He said:

"The chair of the fire service in Grampian tells me that if the WTD goes ahead it is likely to cost that one fire service £35-100m to implement – and response times will be increased. So we have a massive increase in costs for a reduced service, and that is not acceptable."

Mr Bruce is urging the Government to ensure retained firefighters can provide vital cover, as many smaller communities do not have the population to maintain full-time services.

He said:

"This debate is not directly about whether or not we should end the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive. I support continued opt-out. But the debate is about the Government planning now to ensure that any changes are implemented to enable retained firefighters to continue to provide their valuable service."

Argyll and Bute MSP Jim Mather has added his voice to the concerns. Mr Mather has joined members of Argyll and Bute Council and the area's MP, Alan Reid, in expressing worry at the impact the directive could have on the area's retained firefighters, as well as ferry standby crews, the RNLI, the coastguard and other services.
 

He said:

"The issue of the WTD has been publicised by the retained fire brigade because of the damaging effect it could have on staffing levels, the costs and therefore the viability of a service which has a crucial role to play.

"To secure vital services, we are campaigning against proposals to include standby or on-call time as counting towards actual working times.”

A final decision on ending the opt-out is due to be made soon by an EU conciliation committee.

The latest edition of Workplace Law Magazine focuses on the Working Time Directive, and what the end of the opt-out could mean for employers. Premium members of the Workplace Law Network can access the online version of the magazine here.