10:44am UK, Wednesday January 05, 2005

Workers put in more than £23 billion worth of unpaid overtime last year.

That averaged more than £4,600 for every employee, a new report reveals.

A company benefit

The Trades Union Congress said its research revealed the extent of the UK's long hours culture, with many firms now relying on staff putting in extra work without getting paid.

Unpaid overtime amounted to several weeks of free time for the average worker, the TUC calculated. 

The organisation called on employees to work only their proper hours on February 25 to remind bosses how much they rely on unpaid work. 

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "We're not saying we should turn into a nation of clock watchers. 

"Most people do not mind putting in some extra time when there's a crisis or an unexpected rush. But too many workplaces have come to depend on very long hours. 

Staff get taken for granted and have to do even more if there is an unexpected rush. 

"Worst of all is that many long hours workplaces are inefficient and unproductive. People are putting in long hours to make up for poor organisation and planning in the workplace. 

"It also puts employer complaints about the costs of benefits such as pensions or time off for new parents into perspective. "