Subscribe Log in

Log in

Remember me. [?]
Forgotten password
Not got an account?

Subscribe or register here

Toggle navigation
Student BMJ
Search
  • News & views
    • At a glance >>
    • Life
    • Briefings
    • Research explained
    • Views
    • People
  • Clinical
    • Practical skills
    • Clinical reviews
    • Ethics & law
    • Picture quizzes
    • Junior doctor survival kit
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Emergency medicine
    • Gastroenterology
    • General practice
    • General Surgery
    • Geriatric medicine
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
    • Paediatrics
    • Psychiatry
    • Radiology
    • Respiratory
  • Careers
    • Career planning
    • A career in...
    • Electives
    • Foundation programme
    • Careers advice
  • Applying to medical school
    • At a glance >>
    • Application timeline
    • Considering medicine
    • Medical School Selector
    • Work experience
    • Personal statement
    • Entrance exams
    • Interviews
    • Plan B
    • Graduate entry medicine
    • Mediprep course
  • Subscribe

Over the limit?

By: Susan Mayor, Jane Burgermeister, Katka Kosner, Tiago Villanueva, Annette Tuffs, Brad Spurgeon, Fabio Turone, Muiris Houston, Tony Sheldon

The final phase of the European Working Time Directive came into force on 1 August. We report from some of the affected countries

Junior hospital doctors throughout Europe were supposed to start a new, shorter, 58 hour week. Aimed at improving their working lives-- and their patients' safety--the European directive aims to reduce the limit further to just 48 hours by 2009. But despite the new rules, many doctors will continue to work long hours.

United Kingdom: A recent survey of 100 NHS chief executives by the NHS Confederation, which represents NHS management, showed that 16% did not expect their trusts to have complied with the European Working Time Directive by 1 August. Junior doctors could take their employers to employment tribunals, and hospitals will be liable to fines of up to £5000 ($9200; a7600) from the Health and Safety Executive each time they break the directive.

The BMA said

To read the rest of this article log in or subscribe to Student BMJ.

If you're not ready to subscribe yet you can access News & views for free or register with us to receive free updates on our latest content.

Log in Subscribe
  • Most viewed
  • What's new

Stay in touch

  • Register for email alerts

Contact us

  • Contact us
  • Advertisers and sponsors
  • Media

About Student BMJ

  • About us
  • Join the BMA
  • Subscribe
  • Write for Student BMJ
  • Review articles for Student BMJ
  • The BMJ
  • The Student BMJ scholarship
  • Request permissions
  • Sitemap

Terms and Conditions

  • Website T&Cs
  • Medical School Selector T&Cs
  • Privacy policy

© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. All rights reserved.