Some sector workers 'working more unpaid overtime'

27 February 2009



Many employees in the fields of research, finance and government are doing unpaid overtime, new research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) suggests. In its analysis of data from autumn 2008, the TUC found workers do an average of seven hours, six minutes unpaid overtime every week.

"When people understandably fear for their jobs, employers still have a responsibility to organise work properly and ensure their workplaces don't get gripped by a long hours culture," comments TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber. The government reminds workers they should not be required to work more than 48 hours a week unless they choose to, with those concerned over their working time advised to get advice from a solicitor.

The findings also suggest agricultural workers are putting in extra time, working an additional 13 days without getting paid compared to statistics from autumn 2007. In addition to this, those working in tool hire and garages have worked more unpaid hours over the course of the last year.

Nicola Nicolaou, associate in the employment law team, comments: "Employers should remain mindful that enforcement action may be taken against them by the Health and Safety Executive, in the event that workers engaged by them, who have not signed a valid opt out agreement, work in excess of 48 hours per week on a regular basis."

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