'Most' UK staff work extra hours

Three-quarters of Britons are working more hours than their contracts state, and for many it is having a detrimental effect on family life, a survey says.

A survey of 1,000 people of working age found 73% were putting in extra hours, says internet bank Intelligent Finance.

Nearly a fifth - 18% - claim to work more than 48 hours a week and 4% claim to work more than 60 hours.

Problems experienced include spending less time with children, and sleep, dietary and lifestyle difficulties.

Half of those questioned said they regularly worked during the weekend and when the working day was supposed to have ended.

Many others work through their lunch break, and nearly one third take work home.

Missed bedtimes

The survey comes a week after a Work Foundation survey claimed that most people in Britain were happy with their lot at work.

However the Intelligent Finance report revealed that half those questioned had spent time away from their partner because of long hours.

A fifth also said it was not always possible to get home in time to tuck their children up in bed, rising to 42% for those with youngsters aged under five.

And 38% said their work affected their sleep, while 32% felt it affected their diet, forcing them to eat more convenience food and takeaways.

Meanwhile, for 31% it often stopped them going to the gym.

While many of those surveyed felt they worked harder than their boss, the majority of people thought their hard work paid off in terms of career progression.

Women were slightly more likely to feel they were rewarded with praise and recognition than men, but were less likely to receive monetary rewards.