<P> In most European Union countries , working time is gradually decreasing . The European Union 's working time directive imposes a 48 - hour maximum working week that applies to every member state except the United Kingdom and Malta ( which have an opt - out , meaning that UK - based employees may work longer than 48 hours if they wish , but they can not be forced to do so ) . France has enacted a 35 - hour workweek by law , and similar results have been produced in other countries through collective bargaining . A major reason for the low annual hours worked in Europe is a relatively high amount of paid annual leave . Fixed employment comes with four to six weeks of holiday as standard . In the UK , for example , full - time employees are entitled to 28 days of paid leave a year . It is commonly understood working hours in the UK are 09.00 to 17.00 . </P>
<P> In most European Union countries , working time is gradually decreasing . The European Union 's working time directive imposes a 48 - hour maximum working week that applies to every member state except the United Kingdom and Malta ( which have an opt - out , meaning that UK - based employees may work longer than 48 hours if they wish , but they can not be forced to do so ) . France has enacted a 35 - hour workweek by law , and similar results have been produced in other countries through collective bargaining . A major reason for the low annual hours worked in Europe is a relatively high amount of paid annual leave . Fixed employment comes with four to six weeks of holiday as standard . In the UK , for example , full - time employees are entitled to 28 days of paid leave a year . It is commonly understood working hours in the UK are 09.00 to 17.00 . </P>
what is a typical work day in germany
what is a typical work day in germany
48 - hour maximum working week
48 - hour maximum working week