SHACKLES COME OFF! British workers set for post-Brexit overtime boom as ministers plot to scrap EU limits

Industries which spend billions on agency staff could save money and families can earn more by working longer hours

EXCLUSIVE

By David Wooding, Sunday Political Editor

16th December 2017, 10:57 pm

Updated: 17th December 2017, 12:49 am

BRITISH workers are set for an overtime bonanza after Brexit, it was revealed last night.

Ministers want to scrap EU laws which limit the working week to 48 hours — costing the average family £1,200 in lost pay.

Tom Newton Dunn​ gives insight into the Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit talks

The move would also be a boost to industry which loses billions of pounds bringing in agency staff to plug the gap.

Brexiteers have gained widespread Cabinet support to axe the Working Time Directive as a first step when the UK is free from Brussels.

The Tories won an opt-out in 1993 but Labour MEPs voted to end the UK’s right to break the limit in 2003.

Brexit-backing ministers will demand an end to the directive when the Brexit “war Cabinet” meets tomorrow to decide what to demand when trade talks begin next year.

[Image: Theresa May meeting with EU president Donald Tusk]

They say it will give millions of families the chance to top up their wages and help small firms eager to cash in on the new global trade market.

A source said: “This is what taking back control is all about.

It will put the power to decide how hard to work back into the hands of the people who matter — the ordinary British worker.

“One or two Brexiteers have been pushing to scrap this daft directive and there is big support for it in Cabinet.”

One minister said: “This will give employers the added flexibility they will need once we have left the EU.

"And it will allow millions of people to earn vital overtime cash.”