However, it seems that British workers are not concerned by the long hours they work, since 87% of those working long hours said they do so out of choice rather than because their employer demands it.
The survey also compared the working hours of men and women. Male working hours came out at 48 per week while women worked an average of 43 hours.
The average of 48 hours worked by men is the limit imposed under the Working Time Regulations. This suggests that government plans to tighten up on opt-outs from these regulations may have an impact on business as many men must already be working well in excess of 48 hours.
The survey of 1091 employees throughout the UK took place in December 2004.
