§ 34. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Employment what European Economic Community proposals are being considered relating to overtime working and night work.
§ Mr. Jim LesterOvertime working has been considered in a number of communications from the European Commission, most recently in its communication dated 14 November which proposed the adoption of a resolution of the Council on the reorganisation of working time.
This resolution was agreed by the Council of Ministers (Labour and Social Affairs) on 22 November. In it, the Council considered that limits should be applied to systematic overtime working, provided that these took account of such factors as the necessary flexibility of the production process and the situation in the Labour market and were introduced in accordance with procedures in force in the member States and with due regard being paid to the independent role of employers and unions.
A copy of the resolution, when available in final form, will be placed in the Library of the House.
Separately, proposals relating to the social aspects of restructuring the steel industry are under consideration. These 111W would involve limitations on the use of overtime.
No proposals relating to night work are currently under consideration by the Community.