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Overtime Averages in the UK: Trends and Insights

By Finlay Gilkinson – 26/06/2025

Overtime work is a significant aspect of the UK labour market, reflecting economic demands, workplace culture, and individual financial needs. Understanding overtime averages provides insight into work-life balance, productivity, and economic trends. This blog explores the current state of overtime in the UK, drawing on available data and trends as of 2025.

Overtime Averages in the UK

What is Overtime?

Overtime refers to hours worked beyond an employee’s standard contractual hours, typically compensated at a higher rate or through time off in lieu. In the UK, overtime is common across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and professional services, where demand fluctuations or tight deadlines often require extended hours.

Overtime Averages in the UK

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other labour market analyses provide a snapshot of overtime trends:

Average Overtime Hours: According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) from 2024, the average UK worker who undertakes overtime works approximately 4.2 hours per week beyond their standard hours. This varies significantly by sector:

  • Healthcare: NHS staff, including nurses and doctors, often report averages of 6-8 hours per week due to staffing shortages and high patient demand.
  • Construction: Workers in construction average around 5 hours per week, driven by project deadlines and seasonal demands.
  • Professional Services: Employees in finance and law typically work 3-4 hours per week, often tied to client expectations and peak periods like tax season.
  • Retail and Hospitality: Overtime is less common but spikes during holidays, averaging 2-3 hours per week for those who opt in.

    • Gender and Regional Differences:

    • Men tend to work more overtime than women, with averages of 4.8 hours per week for men compared to 3.5 hours for women, reflecting occupational segregation and differing roles.
    • London and the South East see higher overtime averages (4.5 hours per week) due to higher living costs and competitive job markets, while regions like the North East report lower averages (3.8 hours per week).

      • Paid vs. Unpaid Overtime: A significant portion of overtime in the UK is unpaid, particularly in professional and managerial roles. The TUC estimated in 2023 that £26 billion worth of unpaid overtime is worked annually, with workers in education and public administration most likely to forgo extra pay.

      Factors Driving Overtime

      Several factors contribute to the prevalence of overtime in the UK:

      1. Economic Pressures: Rising living costs push many workers to seek overtime for additional income, especially in lower-paid sectors like retail and care.
      2. Workforce Shortages: Sectors like healthcare and construction face chronic staff shortages, increasing reliance on overtime to meet demand.
      3. Workplace Culture: In some industries, particularly finance and law, long hours are a cultural norm, with employees feeling pressure to stay late to demonstrate commitment.
      4. Seasonal and Project-Based Work: Industries like agriculture and retail see overtime spikes during peak seasons, such as harvests or Christmas.

        5. Impacts of Overtime

        While overtime can boost income, it has trade-offs:

        • Positive Impacts:
          • Financial benefits for workers, especially in roles with premium overtime pay rates (e.g., 1.5x or 2x standard pay).
          • Helps employers meet demand without hiring additional staff.
          • Negative Impacts:
            • Work-Life Balance: Excessive overtime can lead to burnout, stress, and reduced personal time.
            • Health Risks: Studies link prolonged overtime to increased risks of mental health issues and physical ailments like heart disease.
            • Productivity: Overworked employees may experience diminishing returns, with fatigue reducing efficiency.

              • Recent Trends and Policy Considerations

              • Post-Pandemic Shifts: The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped work patterns, with hybrid and remote work reducing traditional office-based overtime for some, while increasing it for essential workers.
              • Legislative Framework: The UK’s Working Time Regulations 1998 cap the average working week at 48 hours (including overtime) unless workers opt out. However, enforcement varies, and many employees feel pressured to opt out.
              • Union Advocacy: Trade unions like the TUC advocate for better regulation of unpaid overtime and fair compensation, pushing for policies to protect workers’ rights.

                • Conclusion

                Overtime remains a critical feature of the UK labour market, with averages varying by industry, gender, and region. While it offers financial benefits, the reliance on overtime highlights deeper issues like staffing shortages and workplace expectations. As the UK navigates economic challenges and evolving work patterns, balancing the benefits of overtime with its impact on worker well-being will be crucial.

                For the latest insights, keep an eye on ONS reports or explore workplace policies to understand how overtime affects you or your industry.

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