The European Parliament's decision to end the individual 48-hour working week opt-out in the Working Time Directive will make it increasingly difficult for farmers and growers to operate profitably and will threaten some businesses, according to the NFU.

Parliament's decision to remove the opt-out by 2009 has gone against the advice of the business community. The NFU also believes it does not take into account the seasonal nature of the employment needs of the agricultural and horticultural industries and, if agreed by the Council of Ministers, will have serious economic consequences.

NFU vice president, Meurig Raymond said: "The NFU lobbied for a more balanced approach to the issue of the opt-out, one that does not disadvantage UK farmers and growers, yet maintains protection for agricultural and horticultural workers.

"Agriculture relies on workers to meet seasonal work peaks such as harvest time. These workers are already in short supply, they work longer hours, for short periods of time in order to maximise their income. Ending the opt-out will penalise both employer and employee.

"There is still an opportunity for the EU Council of Ministers to reintroduce the opt-out and the NFU will continue to press vigorously the case for UK agriculture."