The first step of a European Union review of the Working Time Directive is currently underway.

A consultation has been launched by the European Commission that aims to garner the opinions of workers and employers in order to determine whether action is needed to adjust the legislation.

It will be used to determine what approach should be taken if the Working Time Directive is reviewed.

"We still need to find a balanced solution that addresses the real needs of workers, businesses and consumers in the 21st century," EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion Laszlo Andor explained, commenting on a previous attempt to revise the legislation in 2009.

A review will explore ways of making the directive more flexible and examine the opt-out for individuals from the 48-hour weekly work limit.

The EU Working Time Directive applies to each of the 27 member states and sets a limit of weekly employment including overtime of 48 hours, as well as rules governing rest breaks and annual leave.