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European Working Time Directive

The implementation of the European Working Time Directive initiating a 48 hours working week for health workers has now been agreed by the NHS. However, the directive of a 48 hour working week is not rigid. Nurses and health workers cannot be forced to work over 48 hours a week over a standard averaging period of 17 weeks but equally they can work longer than 48 hours if they choose, provided there is a written agreement with employers confirming willingness to work longer with a specified period of notice to terminate the agreement. This agreement can be ended at any time provided that the agreed notice is given in writing. 

All Consultus Nurses opt out of the 48 hour working week when they sign the Terms of Business, due to the nature of live-in work.

Following proposals by the Recruitment and Employment Federation, it looks likely that the implementation of the EU Agency Workers Directive will be delayed until 2011. Draft regulations have been outlined by The Department for Business (BIS) setting out how the EU Agency Workers Directive will be implemented in the UK which will be discussed over an eight week consultation process.  The regulations will cover temporary to permanent fees, a practical solution to establishing equal treatment. For more information please refer to www.rec.uk.com

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