UK workers gave their employers £31.2 billion in free labour last year by doing unpaid overtime, according to new analysis of official statistics published by the TUC.

The figures were released on 23^rd February 2018, the TUC’s 14th annual Work Your Proper Hours Day.

It marks the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year and starts earning for themselves.

The analysis showed that nearly 5 million people put in an average of 7.4 hours a week in unpaid overtime during 2017. This is equivalent to missing out on pay averaging £6,265 each.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Lots of us are willing to put in a bit of extra time when it’s needed. But it’s a problem if it happens all the time.” She added: “If you’re worried about the long-hours culture where you work, get together with workmates and join a union. That’s the best way to get your voice heard, and stop your boss breaking the rules.”

The TUC analysis found that while public sector employees make up a quarter (25 per cent) of all employees, they account for more than a third (39 per cent) of all unpaid overtime.

Christina McAnea, Assistant General Secretary of the public sector union UNISON, commented: “Over-stretched and under-appreciated staff are at risk of burning out or giving up on a career in the public sector altogether. While managers need to ensure that staff work their proper hours, the government needs to give public sector workers the decent pay rise they all deserve.”