On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:56:02 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Sort of. Both are unnecessary in the 21st century.

Just not so. One of the companies I work for as a freelance was totally
disregarding the EU directive on working hours, etc, on the principle that
'if you don't want the work plenty others do' sort of thing. The union,
which they don't recognise, got involved and are balloting for
recognition. And surprise, surprise, most of the grievances were suddenly
resolved...

Now we get a break every 6 hours regardless. And a minimum overnight break
of 11 hours. And a maximum 48 hour week.


Hmmm...

But surely if you are freelance, you are self employed and thus the
Working Time Regulations don't apply........

It seems to me also that this type of legislation is focussing on the
wrong thing - i.e. a fixed time for work rather than what is required
to get the job done and then payment for achieving that.

A "one size fits all" approach regardless of industry and the work
rate behaviour of an individual really doesn't seem to me to achieve
anything other than slowing down rates of achievement all the way
round. Some people take longer than others to achieve a given
objective, so operating it all by a stop watch doesn't ultimately
achieve a satisfactory outcome for anybody.

I don't see the need for an external organisation to be required to
agree payment and working conditions with an employer. That should be
a matter between the individual and the employer.

--

..andy