Five million workers put in an extra day a week in unpaid overtime

Almost five million employees worked an average extra day a week in unpaid overtime in 2005, according to a survey released by the TUC. That represents well over 20% of the UK’s 28.8 million working population.

Most clocked up more than seven hours a week in overtime, with Londoners averaging an additional eight hours and 12 minutes.

Employees in Wales worked an extra 7 hours 48 minutes a week and those in Northern Ireland were just behind on 7 hours 36 minutes.

Brendan Barber, TUC general Secretary, 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.”

“Most people enjoy their jobs, and don’t mind putting in extra effort when there’s a rush or an emergency, but that easily turns into the long hours culture of extra hours every week,” Barber said.

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