Research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has recently revealed 3.3 million people in the UK are working more than 48 hours a week, an increase of 180,000 on the previous quarter. The TUC attributed this increase, at least in part, to the current difficult economic conditions
The TUC also highlighted the significance of the shift, as the number of workers putting in this many hours dropped on a consistent basis between 2000 and 2007 to a low of 3.1 million.
The sharpest increases in long hours working occurred in the East of England and London, while the study also discovered that 85% of new long hour workers are male – a fact the TUC argued could undermine its current efforts to close the pay gap, as it believes women with childcare responsibilities are likely to be excluded from these roles.
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: “After slow but steady progress in the past decade, long hours working is making its way back into Britain.
“UK employees already work the longest hours in western Europe. The recent increase will mean lower productivity, more stress and less time to have a life outside the office with friends and family.”
In order to rectify this surge in working excessive hours, the TUC has called for Europe to adopt a stronger Working Time Directive, as despite some progress since its implementation in 1998, its effects have been hampered in the UK due to the nation’s opt-out clause.
Last week, employment ministers from the across Europe met to discuss the Directive at the European Union Social Affairs Council meeting, which saw some changes, including imposing an absolute limit of a 60 hour average week for most of the workforce, a move the TUC claims will benefit up to 400,000 workers.
Brendan said: “All these measures have been opposed by employer lobby groups. While we are disappointed that the UK opt-out on the 48 hour working week remains, there has been real progress on other working time issues. Nor has the UK Government won a permanent opt-out, despite its energetic campaign. The opt-out will be reviewed again in the future.
“While there will need to be detailed negotiations, and attention to the small print, the EU has once again proved an important route to better working conditions and employment rights.” n
