RCN Welcomes European Parliament Vote On The Working Time Directive, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 19 Dec 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the decision by the European Parliament to support proposals to scrap the opt-out on the Working Time Directive.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

"The RCN has been pursuing changes to the Working Time Directive since 2003 and today's decision is a big step forward in protecting and safeguarding our members working across the NHS and the independent sector. Today's vote in the European Parliament is excellent news and is a step forward in ensuring a good work-life balance for healthcare staff and high quality care for all patients.

"We urge the Council of Ministers to accept the recommendations of elected members, both by ensuring that the directive is implemented fully, and by making sure that on-call time is recognized as working time. The Council should stop stalling on this issue and promote good working practices to ensure quality patient care."

Notes

MEPs voted by 421 to 273 in favour of ending the opt-out by countries including the UK within three years, and also to include on-call hours as working time.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.

Royal College of Nursing