West Midlands Liberal Democrat Euro MP Liz Lynne has warned that moves to end Britain's opt out on European Working Time laws backed by Labour MEPs could lead to dangerous shortages in fire cover across England and Wales, especially in rural areas.

The European Parliament recently voted in favour of proposals to scrap Britain’s opt-out from the European Working Time Directive. The move was opposed by LibDem MEPs and by the UK government, but supported by some Labour MEPs.

The Working Time Directive's 48 hour maximum working week could mean that retained firefighters, who often have other jobs, would have to drastically cut the hours they are on call and available to the fire service.

Liz Lynne, who is the only UK shadow rapporteur for the Working Time Directive, on behalf of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe Group, has campaigned for years to keep the UKs opt out. She said:

"Retained firefighters provide a vital, lifesaving service in many of our local communities and this must be allowed to continue.

"I have always argued that the UK's opt out of the EU Working Time rules must be kept so long it is voluntary, and this applies not just to firefighters but to all workers who decide that they want to work extra hours.

"Scrapping the opt out would not only damage our fire service but would hurt many working people and businesses who are trying to make ends meet in difficult economic times. The safety aspects for workers are already covered by Health and Safety legislation including the dangerous machinery directive.

"For months now the Labour Government has had to work with me on this as they couldn't get the support of their own MEPs; let us hope that the Government will hold firm and maintain the opt out in ongoing negotiations between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament."

Notes:

Liz Lynne is Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Shadow Rapporteur for the Working Time Directive for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe and the only UK shadow rapporteur on the Working Time Directive.

Many areas already have problems with recruiting retained firefighters, with over half of posts unfilled.

The rule changes would not affect most other EU countries where part-time firefighters work on a voluntary basis and are therefore not covered by the opt-out.