‘Employees working longer hours’

Almost three quarters of people are working longer hours in 2011 than they were a year ago, according to a survey by RSM Tenon.

The poll found that 70 per cent of respondents are now working more hours per week compared to 2010 and more than the average 31.8 hours per week.

However, very few are compensated for this – just 8 per cent of people say that they receive any overtime payment for any extra hours they work, and only 6 per cent are given time in lieu.

This change in working culture is highlighted by the fact only 7 per cent say they now work fewer hours than in 2010.

Carl Jackson, Head of Recovery at RSM Tenon, 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 amongst staff who are seeing a drop in work life balance but are unlikely to receive a pay increase for their efforts.”