Free overtime hits new record high
In 2008, Britain's businesses received close to £27 billion's-worth of free overtime worked by their staff, with over 5 million people putting in time beyond the hours they were contracted to work. This is the highest number since records began in 1992.
According to the TUC, who compiled the findings based on official Government statistics, these figures relate to hours worked before the economic situation worsened sharply in the second half of the year. For this reason, they expect the situation to be even more extreme in 2009 as people work longer hours in the hope of protecting their jobs.
The TUC estimates that if all those working for nothing put their free overtime together from 1 January, they would not be paid anything before 27 February. "People should not ignore excessive working," says General Secretary Brendan Barber. "Long hours are bad for people's health - each extra hour worked makes people less productive once they are over a sensible working week. The recession should provide a spur to make workplaces more productive, and for managers to get staff to work together."
This is clearly a situation that needs to be resolved before the EU's Working Time Directive comes into force in the UK. Any business concerned about their obligations to protect their employees against working excessive hours should take the advice of a legal HR expert.
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Judith Ellery Head of Employment
Bethan Southcombe Solicitor
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