Employees would prefer to work shorter hours than win the lottery

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British employees would rather work shorter hours than win the lottery, according to a new survey into UK working patterns.The survey, conducted by...

British employees would rather work shorter hours than win the lottery, according to a new survey into UK working patterns.

The survey, conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has revealed that one in five workers want a better work life balance and that over the last two years there has been a steep rise in the number of people who are working excessive hours.

Because of the opening hours of pubs, the licensed trade has a high number of employees who work more than 48 hours a week.

But the Federation of Licensed Victualler Associations' chief executive, Tony Payne slammed the report because he said it wasn't realistic. "It's not a realistic statement," he said. "The pub industry has a lot of part-time workers but also a lot of pub managers and licensees who work more than 48 hours a week.

"They are not forced to work longer hours - they make a decision whether to work longer hours or not when they accept the contract."

However, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, doesn't agree. She said: "More and more British workers are recognising that balancing quality of life and family is as important as a fulfilling career.

"People clearly want greater control and choice over their working hours but lack the confidence and the knowledge to do anything about it."

The report comes as nearly one in three of Europe's workers - more than 40 million people - report that they are affected by stress at work with estimates suggesting British industry loses £370m every year because of stress-related sick leave.

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