MARCH 31, 2004

British get German support

Germany is supporting Britain in its call to stop the European Union pushing ahead with its plan to restrict the number of hours that people can work. The EU wants Britain to adhere to a strict 48 hour working week but Britain wants to retain an opt-out clause that it has enjoyed for the last 10 years. EU officials argue that British employers abuse the rule and force staff to work longer hours but the F1 industry (and many others) are arguing that if the new rule is adopted their industries will be hurt because teams will need to recruit double the number of staff and will be less efficient.

It is unlikely that the opt-out clause will be scrapped if Britain and Germany stand together against the legislation.