Working directive for engineers

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SC

Originally Posted by Safety Concerns

kuchan get your facts right before trying to come across as intelligent. The opt out is to enable you to work as much as you wish. That means NO LIMITS on the hours worked.

From this months CHIRP -

The EC WTD is enacted in the UK through the Working Time Regulations (WTR). The WTR contains an 'opt out' clause. This clause permits a work pattern of more than 48 hours in any one week but only if an average of less than 48hours/week can be achieved over a 17-week period. Working in excess of this is not permitted for any employees, either permanent or contracted staff.

Individuals over 18 years of age, who wish to work more than 48 hours a week can choose to opt out of the WTR 48-hour limit; however, this must be voluntary, on an individual basis and in writing unless it has been negotiated as a joint agreement with the whole workforce under the WTR. An individual can cancel the 'opt out' whenever they want, even if it is part of an employment contract, however, the employer must be given advance notice of this intent and depending on the contractual obligation this period will be a minimum of 7 days but could be up to three months.

For individuals who are contracted to work for more than one employer, the total combined hours worked should not exceed the 48-hour average limit.

It should be noted that there are specific provisions in the WTR for night and shift working that also need to be taken into account.

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with the WTR rests with the Health and Safety Executive not the CAA; however, the working pattern described in this report is also contrary to CAA guidance on shift working practices (CAA Paper 2002/06).

As I see that, you can work more than 48 hrs a week, but you cannot opt out of the 17 week average.