EEMS |
26th January 2004 (Source: MIA )
Change in European regulations could cost jobs and hit productivity - flexibility in working hours must be retained
The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) is urging all employers - companies large and small - in the UK motorsport sector to respond vigorously to the European Commission's latest consultation process concerning the proposed changes to the Working Time Directive (No.93/104).
The MIA says changes to existing regulations could be detrimental to the success of the £5 billion UK motorsport industry and could undermine its future competitiveness. "Flexibility of working hours is absolutely critical in our customer-focused industry," says Chris Aylett, Chief Executive of the MIA.
In the UK, the Working Time Regulations legislation introduced in 1998 safeguards the right of companies to 'opt-out' of those parts of the Directive that enforce an upper limit of 35 working hours per week, averaged out over 17 weeks. This specially negotiated exemption allows UK businesses to instead comply with a maximum 48-hour working week, referenced over 52 weeks. However, the European Commission's current consultation exercise reviews whether this opt-out should be withdrawn. The deadline for responses to this important consultation is March 31, 2004 - just 10 weeks away.
Chris Aylett, Chief Executive of the MIA, says that retention of the opt-out exemption clause is vital if UK motorsport businesses are to compete effectively in the global economy. "The success of our motorsport industry - which employs over 40,000 people - is founded on the calibre of its specialised workforce and a long-standing ability to deliver on-time. Ours is a customer-driven industry and those global customers demand the utmost flexibility so that critical delivery deadlines can be met. No motorsport event is ever delayed by the failure to supply components - the race simply starts without you - and the customer is then lost!"
He continued, "Any change in the current legislation will make small and large UK motorsport businesses less competitive. This is one of the toughest periods our industry has experienced, where we need to fight for every advantage. The MIA is actively lobbying the DTI, on behalf of the motorsport and performance engineering sector, to press the European Commission to ensure that the exemption element of the regulations is maintained. It is crucial that all motorsport employers now make their views known directly so that the consultation process does not lead to a change in UK law - one that could have dramatic negative consequences for the sector as a whole."
Companies can find out more and respond to the European Commission's consultation process by contacting the MIA (tel: , email: or by visiting the EC website.
The EC is examining whether individuals should still be allowed to waive their rights under the European Directive, as well as looking at how 'working time' is calculated.
The consultation addresses a number of key issues, including:
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For further MIA press information, contact Gordon Bruce Associates,
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Or contact Chris Aylett at the MIA:
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