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British Workforce in Danger of Self Destruction As Overtime Puts Health at Risk

Latest research reveals over five million people work an average of more than seven hours unpaid overtime a week.
Health, Lifestyle - 3 June 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

Latest research reveals that over five million people worked an average of more than seven hours of unpaid overtime with almost 900,000 working more than 10 hours of unpaid overtime.

Long working hours are contributing to high stress levels with the HSE figures revealing that one in five workers (5 million) report feeling extremely stressed at work and work related stress contributing to 10.5 million reported lost working days per year in Britain.

Flexible working legislation could be expanded under the new coalition Government with both parties promising to expand the right to request flexible working to every parent with a child under the age of 18.

. Introduction:

Five million of us are working about 7 hours of unpaid overtime each week while 1 in 5 British workers report feeling 'extremely stressed'. Our workforce is at risk of self destruction with 10.5 million working days lost last year as a result of stress, depression or anxiety. Help maybe at hand as the new coalition Government has promised to expand flexible working legislation but only for those that are parents of children aged under 18.

But is flexible working legislation enough to help all British workers?

Joining us in the studio is flexible working expert Andy Zollo from SonicWall.

. Suggested Questions:

How much unpaid overtime is being worked in our area?

Who are the most likely to work overtime and do men work more overtime than women?

What are the consequences of working excessive hours?

Is flexible working a solution for stressed workers?

How can people use technology to have a better work life balance?

Where can we find out more information?