The working time directive that states that we should work no more than 48 hours a week and at present we can choose to opt out from this agreement came under close scrutiny in Brussels.

In a period of mass unemployment the Members of European Parliament (MEP) have already agreed to remove the opt out but the council is so far resisting such a move.

This removal could have huge ramifications, with many people in Britain choosing to opt out of this time directive. One such sector is doctors, with junior doctors working 56 hours a week and currently able to keep to their target of operating on patients within 18 weeks from being seen by their GP. The removal of the opt out agreement will mean junior doctors have to reduce their working hours to 48, therefore hugely increasing waiting times.

Representatives of the NHS believe the effect of reducing hours will be detrimental. Remedy UK even went as far as to say that by doing this it will be like losing 70,000 doctor days per week. The department of health is now considering increasing the number of years before qualifying as a consultant, from 7 years to 9 years.

It does look like the MEPs are intent on removing this opt out agreement, but I do hope that proper diligence has been taken for key areas such as doctors. I think the last thing we need right now is reduction in the level of care in Britain.