Historically, the labour law applicable in most European countries relates closely to the objective of limiting the amount of time worked each day for specific groups such as children and women. However, we have progressed a great deal since the 19th century. Although there have been differences in the approach adopted by each country, since the Second World War there has been a common trend, with the exception of some non-democratic southern European countries, towards work-time regulation. Over the last ‘thirty golden years’, characterised by high levels of economic growth, the law (when it has intervened) has set maximum thresholds. These legal provisions have been improved upon by collective agreements which have reduced working hours and increased the amount of paid holiday.
International Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations