Where a 48-hour week is a luxury

The decision of the European Court on the 48-hour working week was greeted with interest and amusement by junior doctors who are excluded from the Working Time Directive, writes Liz Hunt. They agree completely with the two British scientists who gave evidence to the Court that excess hours are bad for health.

To Dr Huw Thomas (left), a 24-year-old junior doctor of just three months' experience, a 48-hour working week is an impossible dream. He works a 72-hour week in the second busiest cancer department in Britain; he is on call every fourth night, entailing a continuous shift of 48 hours. He sleeps when he can.

"When you are tired you are a bit slower but you know you are under pressure and the adrenalin flows, which balances the tiredness," he said.

Photograph: Dale Cherry