Employees in the UK are working longer hours than those in any other European Union country, according to the TUC.
The average working week for Brits was 42 hours in 2018, nearly two hours more than the EU average, which is the equivalent to two and a half extra weeks per year.
Despite working more hours, the TUC said the culture is not having a positive impact on productivity, with the UK is lagging behind as the 14th most productive nation in the EU. Workers in Denmark have the shortest hours (37.7 hours) but are the most productive, 23.5% higher than the UK.
The average full-time week in the UK has reduced by just 18 minutes over the past 10 years, which the TUC says is nowhere near fast enough to close the gap with other major economies in the EU. The analysis shows that at the current rate, it would take the UK 63 years to have the same amount of free time as their European counterparts.
Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: "Britain's long-hours culture is nothing to be proud of. It's robbing workers of a decent home life and time with their loved ones. Overwork, stress and exhaustion have become the new normal.
"It's time for a change. Other countries have shown that reducing working hours isn't only good for workers, it can boost productivity. As new technology changes our economy, the benefits should be shared by working people. That means shorter hours, more time with family and friends, and decent pay for everyone."
