EU proposals to end Britain’s opt-out of the controversial Working Time Directive are unpopular with both UK employers and employees, according to a report by Manpower.

The study found that 84% of employers who use the opt-out believe its loss would have an impact on their business, while only one quarter of employees agree with restrictions on working time.

Ruth Harper, Manpower’s head of public affairs, says: “Employers need a workforce which can meet unexpected surges in demand and it isn’t always possible to predict that peak, so a more flexible workforce keeps businesses competitive.

“Workers also want to work longer hours often because it provides them with the opportunity to earn more money through overtime.”

It found that one third of British companies have employees who work more than 48 hours per week, and 84% of companies who exercise the opt-out say that its loss would have an impact on their business.

When asked why staff worked beyond 48 hours, 67% of employers who exercised the opt-out cite “surge in demand”, with 41% pointing to “seasonal fluctuations”.

Just 27% of employees wish to see the working week restricted to 48 hours, with 43% wishing to see no restriction at all. A clear majority of employees (72%) stated that a shorter working week would have a financial impact on them, with nearly a third (30%) saying the effect of the opt-out’s loss would be “very large”.