The EU Working Time Directive has so far had little impact on an ingrained culture of long-hours working in the UK. Case studies suggest that the use of individual opt-outs from the 48-hour limit on weekly working time is a principal reason for this. However, removal of the individual opt-out...

Through an empirical study of working time in the United Kingdom, we explore the scope for initiatives based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) to engender voluntary action by employers to raise labour standards. Our evidence suggests that a CSR-based approach faces considerable problems...

In this chapter we explore the use of qualitative methodologies in researching groups sometimes referred to as ‘hard to reach’, especially those who have limited /no English language skills. We reflect on the use of qualitative research methods to enrich our understanding about everyday life...