a worker employed by a public authority who has worked for a period which exceeds the maximum laid down under the EC Working Time Directive has a directly enforceable right to "reparation" for loss or damage caused by the breach. Whether that comes in the form of time off in lieu or financial compensation is a matter to be determined by national courts.

For relevant general notes go to European Law/direct applicability of EC or EU measures and/or Working Time Regulations/enforcement .