Question: Working time directive?

I've been working for a major uk supermarket chain for about 6 months now. When I first started I was working anywhere between 45-65 hours a week & now I'm being told due to the sodding working time directive I can't do more than 48.

I've read that the uk is the only country within Europe that allows people to work more than 48 hours if they want and I remember back when I was 18 being handed a form from a previous employer to sign if I was willing to work more than 48 a week.

I'm being paid hourly and love my job so I see no problem doing as many hours as possible so what was that form called if I wanted to willingly slave myself off and would I just ask my employer for it?

Thank you

Answer:

It's a EU directive which if it's being followed in the UK makes it ilkegal for you to be compelled or allowed to work in excess of 48 hours bits typical government deciding what's best for the governed. Ther is no exception to the rule si there's no form anymore. Sucks don't it?