Opt-out clauses cause managers to work till they drop'

by Claire Hu

The Sky survey has re-ignited the debate about the 48-hour working week, with union leaders claiming opt-out clauses used by many pub companies results in managers "working till they drop".

Peter Johnson, regional officer of the National Association of Licensed House Managers (NALHM), said most companies did not recognise the European Working Time Directive, and many managers worked an average 60 to 90-hour week after signing opt-out clauses of the 48-hour week.

"Most companies say the Working Time Directive does not apply to managers, and that they will have to work whatever hours are necessary," he said.

"This results in a high turnover of burnt-out managers who get weary, make mistakes and then either leave or get dismissed."

The union has seen some success in working towards reduced hours with Mitchells & Butlers and Scottish & Newcastle Retail.

Many companies have accepted they need to take action as the European Commission will be considering scrapping the opt-out clause later this year.

Most Mitchells & Butlers' managers sign an opt-out, but spokesman Bob Cartwright said the company was investigating ways of reducing hours among its managers.

He said: "We are working on a range of initiatives to reduce duplication of effort, finding ways of reducing administration and improve monitoring of hours and breaks.

If we find a manager who works more than 65 hours we will see what we can do.

"It is challenging, but we have to got to plan against the background of this legislation."

JD Wetherspoon is one of the few companies to operate the 48-hour week.

"We achieve this by having bucketloads of management staff in our pubs.

We have six or eight, while other companies have just one or two," said spokesman Eddie Gershon.

"We have fewer recruitment problems, and, simply speaking, a manager will work better having worked 48 hours than 70."

Greene King also asks its managers to opt-out, but has launched a confidential "care line" aimed at helping them achieve a better life/work balance and reduce stress.

Human resources director Julian Bradwell said: "Ninety-eight per cent live in and have a tendency to work all hours.

We are introducing labour scheduling systems, a kind of rota, which helps them better manage their time."

Spirit Group said the company was moving towards a 48-hour week for managers.

A spokeswoman said: "Clearly any research which suggests pub managers in general may not be achieving an appropriate work/life balance is of concern to us."

Laurel said its managers were classified as executives, so did not come under the Working Time Directive.

The company is working with NALHM in a bid to reduce hours but admits there is "no easy solution".