Almost three-quarters of people are working longer hours than they were just 12 months ago – with very few paid for their efforts. Fewer still are given time off in lieu for the extra hours, according to research by accountants RSM Tenon.
The poll of 1,001 people found that 70% now spend more hours a week at work compared to 2010 but only 8% receive overtime while just 6% get the time off.
This change in working culture is highlighted by the fact only 7% say they now work fewer hours than in 2010.
RSM Tenon Swindon office managing director Sharon Omer-Kaye said: “People are now being asked to do more for less and you could argue that there are several reasons for this.
"Many companies may have over-compensated for the recession and shed more jobs proportionately than the work they have lost. This therefore causes the remaining staff to be overstretched, and the consequences of that decision are being felt now. Also, many industries, such as the retail sector and the food and drink sector, are really feeling the pinch now, so the workforces are being stretched further to achieve the same results.
“An increase in employees’ working hours represents a significant challenge for employers as they have to try and maintain their motivation and retention among staff who are seeing a drop in work-life balance but are unlikely to receive a pay increase for their efforts.”
Earlier this year the TUC claimed a record 5.26m people worked unpaid overtime last year – the highest since records began in 1992.
