Summer 2005 Newsletter Content More of the same? Around the world Hot tips Inside out? Sweet sacrifice Simple trust Done and dusted? Open immediately File under E An Inspector calls CO still OK Open for business High PHI Arctic chills Duty calls Pensions Fuelling around WIP round Win some, lose some Take it and go? Party talk Work less, earn less Making adjustments

Work less, earn less The European 'working time' rules have received some attention lately - the requirement for employers to allow workers a maximum 48-hour week. Employees can opt out of this rule and work more, but the employer is not allowed to impose a 'detriment' if they refuse to opt out. So you can't be refused promotion or other advantages, just because you want a life as well as work. Some workers took this a little further at an employment tribunal. They had a certain salary for a 60 or 70-hour week, and - surprise, surprise - it went down when they were only working 48. They argued that cutting their pay was a 'detriment'. The Tribunal ruled that it was not. It was an obvious consequence of the employees' decision to cut their hours, and was not an improper action of the employer. It's sad that such a sensible decision almost comes as a surprise - the law is often an ass, but not here!