The development of annual working hours in the United Kingdom (1995), by P. Blyton

This paper examines the extent and pattern of development of annual hours agreements in the United Kingdom during the 1980s and early 1990s. It also outlines different forms of agreements with examples from various industries and discusses likely future trends.

Working time directly influences the well-being of workers, as well as the operation of the enterprise. It is not surprising, therefore, that it is one of the major concerns in working conditions, especially in Western European countries. Over the last decade, significant developments have affected working time in these countries. The pressures for greater flexibility for both employers and workers have intensified, thus leading to the introduction and development of diversifying working time arrangements. Even though the earlier trend to reduce the standard working week has diminished in most European countries, shorter weeks were still negotiated, often in exchange for more flexible ways of arranging working hours. In addition, the interest for more flexible working time practices has been accompanied by growing concerns with unemployment and potentials offered by working reductions and reorganization.