‘Number of UK people working over 50-hour weeks has not decreased in a decade’

The report found that the number of people in the UK working over 50 hours a week in 2016 is very similar to the level reported in 2005 – around 12.7%.

However, the survey shows the UK does better on average than other OECD countries on a series of other benchmarks, including the employment rate – at 74% this is well above the OECD average of 67% and long-term unemployment is below the OECD average level (1.3% compared to 2%). Personal security is comparatively high and the homicide rate is one of the lowest in the OECD area. Social support also exceeds the OECD average: 93% of people in the United Kingdom report having friends or relatives whom they can count on in times of trouble, higher than the OECD average of 89%, and life satisfaction is also above the OECD average level.

Nevertheless, UK average household earnings  and disposable income are below the OECD average levels and the average household in the United Kingdom spends a higher proportion of its disposable income (almost 24%) on housing costs than the OECD average (almost 21%).

Across OECD countries, women typically fare worse than men on most labour market outcomes, perceived health and feelings of safety. In the UK, the report says women fare slightly better than men on unemployment, while there is no difference between men and women on perceived health. Nevertheless, women are at a greater disadvantage than in the average OECD country when it comes to voter turnout and adult skills.

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