UK Workers Urged To Leave Work on Time as Research Reveals £8,000 Owed Per Person
A recent study has brought light to a concerning issue affecting the workforce in the UK. According to the research, UK workers put in a staggering £31 billion worth of unpaid overtime last year, with some individuals owing as much as £8,000 each. The study, conducted by the TUC, highlighted the fact that 3.8 million people worked unpaid overtime in 2024, putting in an average of 7.2 extra hours per week. This equates to a significant loss of wages for many workers across the country.
The TUC’s findings shed light on the industries where unpaid overtime is most prevalent. Teachers and health and care managers were identified as the occupations with the highest levels of unpaid overtime. This raises concerns about the staffing pressures faced by these sectors, with implications for both employees’ well-being and the quality of services provided.
In response to these findings, the TUC has called for better management practices that ensure workers are not overburdened with excessive workloads. The organisation has designated Friday as ‘Work Your Proper Hours Day’ to raise awareness about the issue of unpaid overtime. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak stressed the importance of workers being paid for the extra hours they put in and urged employers to engage with their workforce on workload issues.
Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, expressed concerns about the impact of long working hours on individuals’ well-being. She highlighted the negative effects of an ‘always-on’ culture, which blurs the boundaries between work and personal life and can lead to burnout and other health issues. Wilkinson emphasised the importance of ensuring workers have adequate rest to prevent health and safety issues.
The TUC’s research also revealed regional disparities in unpaid overtime, with London having the highest proportion of workers working extra hours without pay. This indicates a need for interventions at both national and local levels to address the issue of unpaid overtime and promote a healthy work-life balance for employees.
As the government plans to recruit additional teachers to alleviate staffing pressures in schools, there is a recognition of the need for systemic changes to prevent staff burnout and turnover. The TUC’s call for workers to take their lunch breaks and leave work on time serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining boundaries between work and personal time.
In conclusion, the TUC’s research highlights the significant impact of unpaid overtime on UK workers and underscores the need for employers to address workload issues and promote a healthy work environment. By raising awareness about the issue of unpaid overtime and advocating for better work practices, organisations like the TUC are working towards ensuring fair treatment and well-being for all employees in the UK.