The RFU predicted that the issue of the ‘opt-out’ within the Working Time Directive (WTD) would raise its head again in the future. Whilst this is certainly the case it would appear that our lobbying of various politicians back in late 2008 early 2009 has laid the foundations for local MPs to challenge any proposed change, below is an extract from the House of Commons on 10 June 2010.

Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make it his policy to retain the opt-out of the EU working time directive for retained fire crews; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Neill: This Government committed in the coalition agreement to limit the application of the working time directive in the United Kingdom. We recognise the essential flexibility that the opt-out brings and will stand firm on its retention.

Losing the opt-out from the averaged 48-hour maximum to the working week set by the EU working time directive could have a serious impact on fire and rescue services. In particular, it would greatly reduce the hours which many on-call Retained Duty System fire-fighters, who provide around 90% of operational cover geographically across the United Kingdom as a whole, could be available for duty because many already work full time for a primary employer.

Source: Hansard