EURO-MPs will today vote on plans to scrap Britain's opt-out from EU rules limiting working hours.
Pressure has been building in Brussels for months to remove the right of employees to work longer than the maximum 48 hours a week allowed under the EU's Working Time Directive.
Unions have complained that the opt-out is regularly abused by companies that force people to work long hours.
But employers' organisations say removing it would hit vital labour market flexibility and cause problems in the haulage industry.
The plans under consideration by MEPs would phase out the opt-out over three years.
The final decision rests with EU ministers, but MEPs will add to the pressure if they signal today that it is time for the opt-out to go.
Britain alone allows workers to exceed 48 hours a week in any sector of work if they reach a signed agreement with employers
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