Advice on working time regulations?

Hi i live in the UK and i need some advice on working time regulations for those who work in plant stock nurseries and garden centres. I have an essay to write about working time regulations and the rights it gives to workers. Im doing quite well on the essay but could do with some opinions to see if im on the right track. Has the working time regulations changed the way nurseries are run? Is it a good thing for workers/employers? Does the opt out clause benefit the industry? Only advice on plant nurseries and garden centres thank you. x

Advice on working time regulations?
In so far as I am aware, the nursery and garden centre industry does not enjoy any derogation under the regulations that the country as a whole does not. It is therefore subject to the same rules as other UK employers. Insomuch that this industry might well have seasonal pressures upon it, it will still be unlawful for an employer to force anyone to work in excess of 48 hours per week, or indeed change any other protective measure contained within the law.
Reply:lets get something straight , there is NO working time regulation , there is a working time directive that can be opted out of by the individual worker as his circumstances require, anyway the EU is not a legal body as it has not been ratified by the people of the UK , the people of Britain supposedly voted to join the EEC a free trade organisation most definitely not the legal monstrosity named the EU .After the referendum in the early 70s i conducted my own survey and out of approx 2,000 names only 2 actually voted to join you can draw your own conclusion to this . ( a govt fix , TED HEATH ?)
Reply:Its fairly useless as many people have to opt out of it in order to survive (a low-paid hourly rate job will not pay a liveable wage at 48 hours a week) and although employers cannot "force" staff toopt-out, its more or less expected that new starters will sign the opt-out firm (or else they'll simply employ someone else instead of you . . .)