A new report has found British workplaces rank among the worst in Europe for long hours, intense workloads, and limited job autonomy—issues not offset by higher productivity.
The findings come as the new Labour government prepares to introduce stricter regulations for employers.
The report, commissioned by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, revealed that 60% of British workers face tight deadlines, and 40% are required to work at high speed.
Only a third have control over the pace of their work, placing the UK among Europe’s worst performers for workplace conditions.
The commission, established by the Health Foundation think tank with trade union representation, is pushing for improved working standards as part of upcoming employment legislation.
“Key areas to address are long hours, high-intensity work, and a lack of control or autonomy,” said Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) and a co-author of the report.
The report also highlighted significant sectoral disparities, with construction, transport, warehousing, retail, and hospitality workers experiencing the worst conditions. Among professionals, nurses and teachers reported particularly high-stress levels.
Stress at work has risen over the past 25 years, with half of Britons describing themselves as exhausted by their jobs, the report noted. Despite poor overall conditions, UK workers reported better-than-average relationships with colleagues and managers.
The findings rely heavily on a 2021 European Union (EU) survey of working conditions, showing that British workers face greater job strain than many of their European counterparts, including those in France and Germany.
The report also called into question the productivity of British workplaces, stating: “Considering the UK’s lower labour productivity compared to peers such as France and Germany, these conditions do not seem justifiable on performance grounds.”
As the Labour government prepares to implement stricter employment rules, some businesses have expressed concern.
On Monday, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warned that tighter regulations, coupled with rising social security taxes and minimum wage increases, could reduce employment, wages, and long-term investment in the economy.
The new legislation is expected to tackle long-standing issues in workplace conditions, aiming to create healthier, more sustainable working environments across the UK.
