Concern about the European Working Time Directive continues to run high, and its effects on patient care and specialist training remain hotly disputed. Fewer hours a week and fewer years in training presage a cohort of less experienced new consultants. A shortage of doctors in the UK means juniors doing unpaid or additional locum work to fill rotas and having to lie about their hours (http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20000485). Shift systems, loss of the team structure, and poor handover are also reported to be damaging morale.

The strongest protests come from the surgeons, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of reduced hands-on experience. …