Are you one of the UK workforce giving extra hours free of charge?
The TUC has revealed that the number of workers in the UK on "extreme" levels of unpaid overtime is now nearing 1 million. A recent survey of employees suggested that around 900,000 people in the UK are currently giving a significant number of hours each week with no pay. The survey reveals that around 20% of teachers and lawyers are an average giving around 17 hours of free work a week which equates to a significant amount of money over the year.
While there is no doubt that many people are still concerned about their employment prospects in the short to medium term, despite the apparent economic upturn, there are concerns that some employers are taking advantage of these concerns. The TUC is worried that those who currently give free time for the good of their business and their own prospects may find it difficult to reduce these hours once the economy is back on an even keel. In simple words, the more you give the more your employer may expect!
While it has to be said that the majority of the 900,000 mentioned in the report appear to be giving their additional assistance without pressure there are concerns that some employees are being "coaxed" into giving up their own time free of charge. However, with the employment market the way it is at the moment very few people are likely to approach the unions with a formal complaint.
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