The European Working Time Directive will benefit recruiters, according to the managing director Medsol Healthcare Services.

Don Jewell told Recruiterthat the 48-hour a week working limit that comes into force in August under the directive will lead to more business for agencies as clients turn to them to meet staff shortfalls.

 “It will mean more business, though not a huge increase,” he says. Traditionally many healthcare professionals, such as junior doctors, have worked long hours far in excess of the new limit.  

However, Jewell says the directive is not good news for the NHS itself, because limiting employees to 48 hours a week will make it more difficult for doctors to get the training they need to be become consultants.