In 1993, the UK negotiated an opt-out, which allows Member States not to apply the limit to working hours under certain conditions: prior agreement of the individual, no negative fall-out from refusing to opt out, and records kept of working hours of those that have opted out. France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Luxembourg are preparing or have passed legislation to make restricted use of the opt-out, in certain sectors.
La France, l'Allemagne, les Pays-Bas, l'Espagne et le Luxembourg élaborent ou ont adopté une législation autorisant un recours limité à la renonciation dans certains secteurs.