Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress the Government has made since 2010 in negotiating a revision of the Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement.

The Working Time Directive was last negotiated in 2012 by European Social Partners. That negotiation ended without agreement in 2013 and the initiative is back with the European Commission. The Directive is not currently in negotiation, but the UK is making its priorities clear. The European Commission have just issued a public consultation on the Directive. The Government is preparing its response and encourages interested organisations and individuals to respond.