IOSH survey reveals "epidemic" of long working hours

Half of all workers in the UK regularly work two or more additional unpaid hours every week, a new survey by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has revealed.

Many more workers have admitted working while feeling too ill to do so, in a survey conducted by YouGov. 1,000 workers from a wide range of sectors were questioned, and their answers have highlighted the unfavourable ‘small print’ conditions hidden in many employment contracts.

IOSH believes that while job adverts often promote attractive perks ranging from “competitive” salaries and good career prospects to private healthcare and gym memberships, there are many unfavourable conditions hidden in the small print of contracts and business rules.

It says these may pose risks to people’s health and safety if the work provided is not ‘good work’ – work that is safe, healthy, sustainable and accommodates people’s needs.

The IOSH survey reveals:

•           50% of workers regularly do two or more unpaid hours’ work a week, with 41% regularly working one or more unpaid hours a day;

•           24% regularly work more than 48 hours a week on average (the legal maximum people should work in the UK);

•           57% have worked despite feeling too ill to do so in the past 12 months;

•           44% say working more than your contracted hours is part of the culture in their organisation;

•           52% regularly check work emails and messages outside of working hours;

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH commented on the survey’s results:

“As the world of work transforms, we must keep the safety, health and wellbeing of workers high on everyone’s list of priorities, embedded into core business practice and culture if enterprise, economies and societies are to thrive.”

Ruth added: “Many of us are familiar with the term ‘small print’ when buying goods and services and when signing contracts, highlighting key matters we need to be aware of, and sometimes they may be unfavourable. But how many people actually read and take note of the ‘small print’ in their employment contracts?

“Within this ‘small print’, issues can often be hidden, such as a culture of working long hours or the belief you must be available outside your working hours. The term ‘never off duty’ is often thrown around but for many, it’s a reality.

“This cannot continue. Our survey results show there is an epidemic of people working long hours – often without pay – and with people working while ill or on holiday. This is of great concern. In 2021 a World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) global analysis found that working long hours is now known to be responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease.

“We already know that the UK has economically inactive workers and workers being on long-term sick leave. If we stand by and ignore this, then it could get worse. That is why we’re calling for action, to ensure there is greater awareness and transparency and for more focus to be put on looking after people’s health, safety and wellbeing at work.”

The government’s forthcoming Employment Rights Bill is expected to address this ‘always on’ work culture, by moving to protect the ‘right to disconnect’ from work outside working hours.

In the wake of the survey, IOSH is calling for greater awareness and transparency on where and how harm can occur and how the risks are being mitigated and addressed in work contracts.

IOSH have also amplified calls for a full review and update of health and safety regulations, that take into account new ways of working.

It also wants to ensure that workers are equipped with relevant health and safety knowledge and skills to ensure the UK has a workforce that is sustainable for the future and to make sure there are enough resources, including for the Health and Safety Executive, to provide a focus on preventing harm.

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