Research carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) showed a growing number of people are working unpaid overtime, with almost 900,000 putting more than ten additional hours a week during 2009.
The study showed that more than £27.4 billion a week of free labour was gained by UK firms over the last year, with the average worker putting in an extra seven hours and 12 minutes each week.
Carolyn Jones, director of the Institute of Employment Rights, said the figures reveal the extent to which some companies are expecting people to work without due compensation.
'The problem is that employers are wanting to squeeze more and more out of fewer and fewer workers and many are using the recession to claim they can't afford to pay overtime,' she commented.
Ms Jones also claimed people should resist the 'intensification of work expectations' and ensure that their employments rights, such as maximum working hours and rest periods, are adhered to.
The study showed that more than £27.4 billion a week of free labour was gained by UK firms over the last year, with the average worker putting in an extra seven hours and 12 minutes each week.
Carolyn Jones, director of the Institute of Employment Rights, said the figures reveal the extent to which some companies are expecting people to work without due compensation.
'The problem is that employers are wanting to squeeze more and more out of fewer and fewer workers and many are using the recession to claim they can't afford to pay overtime,' she commented.
Ms Jones also claimed people should resist the 'intensification of work expectations' and ensure that their employments rights, such as maximum working hours and rest periods, are adhered to.
