A survey from flexible working experts Office Freedom had revealed workers want payment for putting in extra hours and protection from bosses nagging them at home.
A third of British workers say they want automatic overtime pay written into law and just as many demand protection from bosses contacting them out of hours. The new Labour government have promised better working conditions after sweeping to power, but as millions return to their desks for the first time this year, many still think they should be getting rewarded automatically for doing extra hours than they are contracted to.
The survey found 31% of participants believe it should be law for companies to pay them overtime when they are working late automatically. Three out of ten also said they should have the legal right to switch off outside of work and not be expected to be contacted by employers. The findings come at a time when workers across the UK are finding it tough to cope with increasing inflation which continues to stay higher than targets.
“There has been a growing trend for workers to put in extra hours to get projects finished, which are not rewarded with any overtime pay,” said Office Freedom CEO and founder Richard Smith. “With tech now also meaning work apps are on people’s mobile phones, it is also harder to turn off out of hours. Clearly, we are seeing some people reach the point where enough is enough.”
Survey results:
Q: Which of the following should be made into law for working in a job?
Flexible working: 44%
Guaranteed sick leave: 34%
Automatic overtime pay for working late: 31%
Right to switch off out of work hours: 30%
Right to work from home: 28%
Option for four-day working week: 27%
