Limit on working hours not far away

A COMPULSORY limit to Britain's working hours will move a step closer today, as the European Union clamps down on the UK's option to exclude itself from legislation capping the week at 48 hours.

Britain's bosses and Brussels officials are poised for a face-off over the issue, as UK business fears that onerous new time limits and union involvement will take their toll on the country's economy.

The new rules, which are due to be unveiled today, will give workers' unions the power to negotiate working time opt-outs for their own sectors.

UK business fears a Continental, pre-Thatcher model of industry being foisted upon the British economy.

'It's imposing an industrial relations culture on the UK, where we've traditionally done things in a different way - and in a way that has been effective,' said one British industry insider.

A spokesman for the CBI elaborated: 'It should be up to the individual to decide if he or she wants to work long hours. It's as simple as that.'

Unions say British workers put in far more hours than their European peers, with 4m of us working more than 48 hours a week.