A recent report highlights that British workplaces rank among the worst in Europe for long working hours, strict deadlines, and limited employee autonomy, without any notable improvement in productivity. The findings come as the new Labour government prepares to introduce stricter regulations for employers.
According to Reuters, 60% of the workforce operates under tight deadlines, and 40% works at high speed—figures among the highest in Europe. Meanwhile, only a third of workers have control over their work pace.
The report was commissioned by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, an initiative established by Britain’s Health Foundation think tank in partnership with trade unions.
The report aims to improve workplace conditions and advocate for reforms in employment legislation.
Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies and one of the report’s authors, emphasized the need to address critical issues such as long hours, work intensity, and lack of autonomy. Another co-author, Tony Wilson, who previously led the Institute for Employment Studies, recently joined the British labor ministry as a senior advisor.
Concerns have been raised by some businesses about the government’s proposed stricter regulations. On Monday, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warned that tighter rules, combined with recent increases in social security taxes and the minimum wage, could negatively impact employment policies. The CBI predicts these measures might result in lower employment, reduced wages, and a decline in long-term economic investments.
The report highlighted significant disparities in working conditions across sectors. Workers in industries such as construction, transport, warehousing, retail, and hospitality face particularly challenging environments, while professional roles like nursing and teaching also experience high levels of strain.
Much of the report’s data is based on a 2021 European Union survey on working conditions. While Britons reported stronger relationships with colleagues and managers compared to their European counterparts, they performed poorly in areas such as work-life balance and job security.
“On almost every measure, the UK ranks among the worst in Europe for workplace demands, control, and job strain,” the report stated, noting that about half of British workers feel exhausted from their jobs. It also highlighted a rise in workplace stress over the past 25 years, drawing attention to increasing concerns about mental health and well-being.
The report concluded that the UK’s relatively low labor productivity compared to countries like France and Germany does not justify the demanding working conditions, which undermine both employee well-being and performance outcomes.
