Business support organisation Sussex Enterprise has rubbished a TUC claim that almost five million staff worked an average one day a week in unpaid overtime last year.

A report by the trade union group claimed people working outside their contracted hours resulted in an average loss of earnings of £4,650 per person in 2005.

Gill Edinburgh, director of human resources and strategy at Sussex Enterprise, said the figures were misleading as they failed to take into account flexible working arrangements.

She said: "Many employees negotiate time off in lieu packages for working extra hours or receive bonuses which again this survey could not reflect. It also only covers companies that have a trade union so is not entirely representative of the working population."

The TUC named last Friday "Work Your Own Hours Day" and urged staff to walk out once their hours were up. It also wanted managers to thank employees for extra work.

Ms Edinburgh said: "I firmly believe managers should recognise the effort individuals put into their work. No one should underestimate the motivation a heartfelt thank-you can give during periods of crisis.

However, there needs to be understanding on both sides.

"Staff should approach managers to discuss the problem, which can usually be remedied by flexible working."

The TUC report showed the number of people working unpaid overtime was the lowest since 1992. Employees in small businesses were least likely to work extra hours without pay.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said employers were starting to recognise the long hours culture was not something to celebrate.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006