Ministers want to cut EU red tape saving businesses around £1bn in huge post-Brexit reform

MINISTERS are looking at cutting red tape for business by reforming the hated EU working time directive, The Sun understands.

Post-Brexit reforms could save employers an estimated £1 billion in savings from logging time worked for employees.

The move would make the labour market more competitive as the government looks to scrap any retained EU laws or regulations that are on the statute book by the end of 2023.

The measures are currently being examined by the Department for Business and Trade in a shake-up of the controversial working time directive.

Firms are obliged to keep and maintain records that are adequate to show that workers don’t go beyond 48 hours if they haven’t opted out.

The law states that you can’t work more than the 48 hours a week on average which is normally averaged out over 17 weeks.

The move comes after officials looked at reducing the rights of people on salaries of £100,000 a year or more when Liz Truss was in Downing Street.

One idea under consideration included a no-fault dismissal which takes place when an employer terminates a contract with notice but without providing a reason.

The proposals were seen as part of the ex-Prime Minister’s drive for growth but were knocked back as being “half-baked” and “unworkable”.

Unions said the plans were “deeply worrying” even if it only affected those on big salaries.