derogation

European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper said on Friday that "in terms of the direction of travel, member states can give derogations but it must be given by member states individually".

A system known as 'derogation' is in place whereby the NHS can ask for resident doctors, who are taking part in a five-day walkout, to cross the picket line where patient safety is at risk.

The authority said it had asked for a derogation for special school staff, but this had been declined.

Sugar-beet farmer Michael Sly, who has land across north Cambridgeshire and south Lincolnshire and is the chair of the NFU's sugar board, said he was "relieved" the derogation had been granted.

The union accused NHS bosses of misusing the system known as derogation and bowing to political pressure to undermine the strike.