Plaid Cymru European Spokesperson Jill Evans MEP has today called for an end to the culture of long hours and low wages prevalent in Wales's job market to stop. This comes as the European Parliament votes against the UK's opt-out from rules protecting workers.

Ms Evans has been a consistent supporter of ending the unfair UK opt-out which has seen Welsh workers open to exploitation through working longer hours. The Blair government is trying to keep the opt-out.

Speaking after the vote at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP said:

"Wales ranks second only after London in those doing unpaid overtime and also suffers from chronic low wages. Three and a half million of the UK workforce currently work longer than 48 hours a week. This puts the health of workers at risk as well as making a mockery of trying to balance work and a family life.

"Today's decision by the European Parliament is very good news for Welsh workers who are being exploited. We've long been fighting for this and working with trades unions in Wales to improve protection for workers on a level with other countries.

"The New Labour Government has behaved disgracefully in trying to defend the long working hours culture.

"I'm delighted that at last we've been able to get a majority in favour of ending the UK opt-out. Blair's excuses for defending this shoddy deal just weren't credible."

The issue now goes before Europe's Council of Ministers, where the UK Government has vowed to continue its opposition to these changes.

Diwedd/Ends.