BUSINESS and union leaders were in conflict last night over the UK workforce's right to work longer than 48 hours a week.

The debate was sparked by the European Commission launching a consultation into the UK's opt-out from a directive aimed at limiting the working week to 48 hours.

The move comes after a survey found that people in the UK worked longer hours than the rest of Europe and evidence that more European countries were using the opt-out.

"We appreciate the importance of freedom of choice of individuals as to how they work," said Anna Diamantopoulou, commissioner for employment and social aff-airs.

"But in practice, the measures that the directive foresees to safeguard the workers' interests when opting out are not properly implemented.

"We need to find a solution that balances the interests of all concerned."

About 16 per cent of people in the UK work more than 48 hours a week.

The Department of Trade and Industry said it welcomed the announcement, but warned the opt-out must not be scrapped.

A spokesman said: "Taking away that choice would be throwing out the baby with the bathwater."

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "If we lose the opt-out from the maximum 48-hour working week, we will erode the UK's competitive edge."

The Institute of Director's parliamentary and European advisor, James Walsh, said: "If Europe is to compete in global markets, we should be looking to make our economy more flexible, not less."

Susan Anderson, CBI director of human resources policy, said: "We accept there must be safeguards to prevent abuse, but the current legislation offers that."

GMB general secretary Kevin Curran said: "With over three million people in Britain working over 48 hours per week, a review is long overdue. Many people feel pressured to sign the opt-out as working long hours, either paid or unpaid, has become an industry norm.

"This does not contribute positively to our productivity levels, as increasing numbers of people suffer from burn-out and other ailments and take long periods of sick leave and early retirement due to ill-health."