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We are working more hours than ever according to the TUC - more than one in eight of us work more than 48 hours each week. The law protects us from working such long hours, unless we opt out. But because the law is rarely enforced, bad employers know they can ignore it without risking any consequences.

Commenting on the official figures in the Labour Force Survey, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "These are very disturbing numbers. Many employers recognise that overworked staff are unproductive by introducing more flexibility and better work-life balance, often under union pressure. But it now looks as if their efforts are being undone by those who don't care about long hours. No-one should forget that 48 hours is six eight-hour days - more than enough for anyone every week."

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