The MIA and its members will continue to lobby MEPs on this issue even though it appears to have met a setback. It is now expected that the issue will go to a “process of conciliation” between the European Commission and European Parliament early next year to reach a negotiated compromise agreement.
“UK motorsport cannot afford to allow this opt-put to be lost – it would have a devastating effect on our business where flexible working hours are essential. The UK motorsport industry must keep up pressure on their MEPs, a slim majority of whom, amazingly, voted to phase out the freedom of choice for UK motorsport workers secured by the opt-out” said MIA CEO, Chris Aylett “ This could be overturned by Council of Ministers, who disagree with the MEPs, next year and the MIA will work with the Government and the CBI to ensure we get this result”.
Statement from Employment Minister Pat McFadden
“The vote today is not the end of the story. This is the latest step in a complex negotiation between the European Parliament and the Member States. The British Government will continue to defend the opt-out in the next phase.
Freedom of choice over working hours has operated successfully in the UK, and a number of other Member States, for many years. We believe it is wrong to take away from workers the chance to work longer and earn more if they wish.
The text which MEPs chose to reject included strengthened safeguards to ensure nobody could be forced to work longer hours if they did not want to. Ending the opt-out would be bad for UK business which values having a flexible labour market”.
John Cridland, Director General of the CBI, said “ The Parliament voted to "phase out" the opt-out over three years, removing the right of UK workers to choose to work more than 48 hours a week. The opt-out is vital to business flexibility, and provides employees with the opportunity to choose to work longer hours and earn extra overtime to support their family. The CBI will be lobbying to ensure the Council of Ministers rejects this amendment, and stands by the compromise agreed in June in which the opt-out was retained”.
Motorsport Industry Association
Tel + 44 2476 692600
