TUC in talks with pubcos over continuing long hours

A trade union representing pub managers said it was continuing talks with pub operators over 48-hour week regulations, as a new survey criticised Britain's long working hours.

Research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) revealed more than four million workers work over 48 hours each week in the UK, more than any other country in Europe.

The average working week in Britain is 43.6 hours while throughout Europe it is 40.3 hours.

Britain is the only member state that allows workers to opt out of the working time directive - the law that limits working hours to 48 per week. But this clause is due to be reviewed by the Government this year and is likely to be removed.

The TUC report found managers were the most over-stretched with two and a quarter million of them working more than 48 hours a week.

Peter Love, spokesman for the National Association of Licensed House Managers, said he was not surprised.

"It's still very much an ongoing issue with us and a number of the employers we deal with," he said.

NAHLM has agreed 48-hour weeks for managers working with Six Continents, Scottish & Newcastle Retail and Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries and is currently in talks with Laurel Pub Company and Punch Retail.

"It's very much a 'watch this space' issue," said Mr Love. "Most companies are receptive to the idea."

But there is concern that moves to remove the opt-out clause would hit smaller pub businesses harder, as they are less able to absorb or spread the cost of employing more staff to cover the extra hours.