Working Time Regulations
Details about the Working Time Regulations can be found at the DTI
site at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/working-time-regs/index.html
The Work Foundation’s view on the implementation of the Working
Time Directive is outlined here
Summary of DTI Research
British employees work some of the longest hours in Europe. A high
proportion of UK workers work more than ten hours over and above
their c ontracted hours. The types of sectors and occupations where
long hours are a particular problem include plant and machine operatives
in manufacturing, transport and communication workers, managers and
professionals.
The DTI surveyed a sample of the general working population and
found that:
Long hours workers
- 13% work more than 48 hours a week.
- 3% worked more than 48 hours in their last working week.
- 60% of employees earned more than £15,000 and 44% of
them worked long hours compared to 35% of the general employed.
- 53% of managers and supervisors worked long hours compared
to 40% of the general employed.
- 25% of managers and professionals are less likely to have
reached a formal agreement to work long hours compared to 46%
of the general employed.
Awareness of and complying with regulations
- 68% were aware of the laws governing the number of hours worked
each week but specific knowledge was limited.
- 34% had agreed their hours with employer.
- 75% received formal written agreement.
- 35% of night workers were aware of laws compared to 24% of the
general employed but actual knowledge was limited.
- 49% of night workers belonged to a trade union or staff association,
far higher than 31% of the general employed. Yet only 39% of night
workers were governed by an agreement concerning their night work.
Working long hours is a regular event in some organisations in
the UK:
- 49% experienced pressure to work long hours.
- 55% of night workers usually worked more than eight hours
a shift.
Full details about the DTI survey can be found on: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/emar/errs31.pdf
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