04/02/2002
Report shows over 4 million UK employees work long hours
Despite a European working time directive, nearly four million people in the UK are working more than 48 hours a week, according to a new report.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) report - published on Monday February 4 - slams the UK's long hours working culture as a "national disgrace".
According to the report managers and professional staff work the longest hours, with one in 25 men working at least 60 hours a week. A total of 350,000 more people are working a 48-hour week compared with a decade ago.
TUC general secretary John Monks said: "Britain's long-hours culture is a national disgrace. It leads to stress, ill health and family strains. But even worse, it's an indictment on how badly we manage work in the UK."
While in the UK workers work an average of 43.6 hours, the European average stands at 40.3. In France the average is just 38.9 hours. This is despite the European Working Time Directive of 1998 which introduced a 48-hour working week limit.
Certain occupations were exempt, including the media and healthcare.
But the business group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) wants workers to continue to have the choice.
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "Workers want the right to make their own decisions about working extra hours. Managerial workers often work longer hours because they want to. Operational staff often work longer hours because they are paid for it. Neither group will thank the government for intervening. They don't want a nanny state.
"Regulation has a role to play. The Working Time Directive gives people the right to say 'no' to working extra hours. But having the existing individual opt out from the 48-hour limit also gives people the right to say 'yes'. The CBI will vigorously defend that right." (AMcE)
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) report - published on Monday February 4 - slams the UK's long hours working culture as a "national disgrace".
According to the report managers and professional staff work the longest hours, with one in 25 men working at least 60 hours a week. A total of 350,000 more people are working a 48-hour week compared with a decade ago.
TUC general secretary John Monks said: "Britain's long-hours culture is a national disgrace. It leads to stress, ill health and family strains. But even worse, it's an indictment on how badly we manage work in the UK."
While in the UK workers work an average of 43.6 hours, the European average stands at 40.3. In France the average is just 38.9 hours. This is despite the European Working Time Directive of 1998 which introduced a 48-hour working week limit.
Certain occupations were exempt, including the media and healthcare.
But the business group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) wants workers to continue to have the choice.
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "Workers want the right to make their own decisions about working extra hours. Managerial workers often work longer hours because they want to. Operational staff often work longer hours because they are paid for it. Neither group will thank the government for intervening. They don't want a nanny state.
"Regulation has a role to play. The Working Time Directive gives people the right to say 'no' to working extra hours. But having the existing individual opt out from the 48-hour limit also gives people the right to say 'yes'. The CBI will vigorously defend that right." (AMcE)
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UK employees work the longest hours in Europe
People in the UK work the longest hours in Europe and almost half of the country’s employees have no flexible working arrangements in place. The report was revealed by the TUC at the launch of a TUC and Industrial Standard double initiative which offers a guide aimed at balancing work and personal life for both employer and employee.
UK employees work the longest hours in Europe
People in the UK work the longest hours in Europe and almost half of the country’s employees have no flexible working arrangements in place. The report was revealed by the TUC at the launch of a TUC and Industrial Standard double initiative which offers a guide aimed at balancing work and personal life for both employer and employee.
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Work your proper hours today, TUC says
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All work and no holidays for UK’s long hours workers
Nearly a quarter of self-confessed workaholics do not take a single paid day’s holiday each year, a nationwide survey commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found.
All work and no holidays for UK’s long hours workers
Nearly a quarter of self-confessed workaholics do not take a single paid day’s holiday each year, a nationwide survey commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found.
08 January 2003
Construction tender prices outstrip inflation
The price of new construction work rose in excess of five times the rate of general inflation in the year to third quarter 2002, according to the latest tender price index compiled by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Tender prices rose by 8.5% between Q3 2001 and Q3 2002, with general inflation only rising by 1.6% over the same period.
Construction tender prices outstrip inflation
The price of new construction work rose in excess of five times the rate of general inflation in the year to third quarter 2002, according to the latest tender price index compiled by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Tender prices rose by 8.5% between Q3 2001 and Q3 2002, with general inflation only rising by 1.6% over the same period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.