Menu
05/01/2006
TUC claim five million work unpaid overtime
Nearly five million UK employees worked an average of an extra day per week in unpaid overtime last year, the TUC has claimed.
The TUC's research discovered that 4,759,000 employees worked an average of 7 hours 24 minutes in unpaid overtime each week.
Londoners put in the longest hours, working an average of 8 hours and 12 minutes extra unpaid overtime each week.
Employees in Wales, who worked an average of 7 hours 48 minutes extra and workers in Northern Ireland, who worked an average of 7 hours 36 minutes extra, followed them.
The union estimated that if each employee worked all their unpaid overtime at the beginning of the year, they would not begin to get paid until February 24.
However, the TUC's analysis of official figures also found that the percentage of people working at least one extra hour per week unpaid has fallen, dropping to 19.4% - its lowest level since 1992.
Employees in small workplaces were also the least likely to work unpaid overtime, the TUC said.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Millions are still putting in up to an extra day a week for free, but there are now some welcome signs that some employers are beginning to realise that endless hours of unpaid overtime are often a sign of an inefficient workplace and not something to celebrate.
"We don't want to turn into a nation of clock watchers. Most people enjoy their jobs, and don't mind putting an extra effort when there's a rush or emergency, but that easily turns into the long hours culture of extra hours every week."
The TUC is encouraging staff who work unpaid overtime to observe February 24 as 'Work Your Proper Hours Day', by arriving and leaving work on time and taking a proper lunch break.
(KMcA)
The TUC's research discovered that 4,759,000 employees worked an average of 7 hours 24 minutes in unpaid overtime each week.
Londoners put in the longest hours, working an average of 8 hours and 12 minutes extra unpaid overtime each week.
Employees in Wales, who worked an average of 7 hours 48 minutes extra and workers in Northern Ireland, who worked an average of 7 hours 36 minutes extra, followed them.
The union estimated that if each employee worked all their unpaid overtime at the beginning of the year, they would not begin to get paid until February 24.
However, the TUC's analysis of official figures also found that the percentage of people working at least one extra hour per week unpaid has fallen, dropping to 19.4% - its lowest level since 1992.
Employees in small workplaces were also the least likely to work unpaid overtime, the TUC said.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Millions are still putting in up to an extra day a week for free, but there are now some welcome signs that some employers are beginning to realise that endless hours of unpaid overtime are often a sign of an inefficient workplace and not something to celebrate.
"We don't want to turn into a nation of clock watchers. Most people enjoy their jobs, and don't mind putting an extra effort when there's a rush or emergency, but that easily turns into the long hours culture of extra hours every week."
The TUC is encouraging staff who work unpaid overtime to observe February 24 as 'Work Your Proper Hours Day', by arriving and leaving work on time and taking a proper lunch break.
(KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 February 2005
Work your proper hours today, TUC says
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is urging workers to work only their contracted hours and take a proper lunch break, to mark 'Work Your Proper Hours' day.
Work your proper hours today, TUC says
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is urging workers to work only their contracted hours and take a proper lunch break, to mark 'Work Your Proper Hours' day.
06 January 2005
UK workers put in £23m unpaid overtime: TUC
UK workers' unpaid overtime amounted to £23 million in 2004, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have claimed. According to the TUC's latest analysis of official statistics, every employee who did unpaid overtime would have earned, on average, £4650 for their work, if they had been paid at their normal rate.
UK workers put in £23m unpaid overtime: TUC
UK workers' unpaid overtime amounted to £23 million in 2004, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have claimed. According to the TUC's latest analysis of official statistics, every employee who did unpaid overtime would have earned, on average, £4650 for their work, if they had been paid at their normal rate.
04 February 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".
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".
24 November 2003
UK's 'unpaid' overtime runs to £23bn
UK employees lose out on around £23 billion each year by not claiming overtime which is rightfully theirs, the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC has estimated that on average an employee in the UK puts in around £4,500 in unpaid overtime, amounting to around £23bn each year.
UK's 'unpaid' overtime runs to £23bn
UK employees lose out on around £23 billion each year by not claiming overtime which is rightfully theirs, the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC has estimated that on average an employee in the UK puts in around £4,500 in unpaid overtime, amounting to around £23bn each year.
04 January 2002
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.
-
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.
