Byers said he planned to give workers more flexibility to determine their own work hours, including the opportunity for employees to 'opt out' of the maximum 48-hours-per-week set out in the working time regulations if they wish.

However, all employees will still need to have an element of their working hours set out in their contracts, helping to calm union fears that the move is part of a general 'watering down' of employee protection.

The change is seen as being designed to please managers and senior executives who often work longer hours.

In a bid aimed to help cut 'red tape' for business, Byers also said it was not necessary for companies to keep detailed records of the hours of employees who choose to opt out of the regulations.

Instead of detailed records, companies will just have to keep a list of those who have opted to work more than 48 hours a week.