Thousands of workers could see their earnings fall because of new legislation that would limit the working week to 48 hours, according to the leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney.

She told the Tallaght Chamber of Commerce yesterday that the PDs would oppose the Working Time Bill, when it was presented to the Dail. The Bill would make it illegal for most people to work more than 48 hours a week. About 6 per cent of the workforce, including transport workers, seafarers and junior hospital doctors, are excluded.

The Bill could curb the earnings of many workers, Ms Harney said, and leave workers on modest rates of pay much worse off. The end result would be to encourage some companies to operate in the black economy.

Ms Harney criticised the Government for failing to avail of derogations allowed under the EU directive, such as the facility for individual workers to opt out of the working time limit. Page 4