Lives at Risk - Liberal Democrats Fight EU Working Time Law

3.19.02pm GMT Wed 4th Mar 2009

If the UK has to apply the EU Working Time Directive, many Retained Firefighters would have to drastically cut the hours they are available to the Fire Service.

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigner Sarah Carr has warned that proposed changes to European Working Time laws backed by some Labour MEPs could lead to dangerous shortages in fire cover in Herefordshire with up to 17 local fire stations affected.

The European Parliament recently voted in favour of proposals to scrap Britain's opt-out from the European Working Time Directive which limits working hours to 48 per week. This could mean that retained firefighters, who often have other jobs, would have to drastically cut the hours they are available to the fire service. If the law is enforced in full, many fire stations will have to offer reduced services.

Sarah Carr said:

"Retained firefighters provide a vital, lifesaving service in Herefordshire and this must be allowed to continue. Full-time fire-fighters simply could not be employed across our area with anything like the same coverage - the consequences of this law could be slower response times and ultimately the loss of lives.

"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 UK Government must fight this unnecessary infringement on our lives."

The Liberal Democrats have launched a nationwide petition demanding that Britain keeps the voluntary opt out from a maximum weekly working time of 48 hours, after the European Parliament voted to scrap it. The online petition can be found at www.keeptheoptout.com.

Sarah Carr is working with Liberal Democrat Euro MP Liz Lynne and the Retained Firefighters Union urging the UK Government to hold firm and maintain the opt out.