Hours the real cost
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Overwork exacts a high price on drivers' lives, according to a trade union survey. Jennifer Ball reports.
NO LESS THAN 72% of truck drivers say that working excessive hours has damaged their family and social lives, according to trade union USDAW Its survey of 750 truck drivers found that the average working week for members is 52.5 hours: almost half work over 55 hours and one in four does in excess of 60 hours a week. Respondents said that this has led to a lack of time with their partners and children, a poor social life and no time for exercise or education.
Not surprisingly,64°/0 of drivers stated that the main reason for working long hours is financial: almost half working five to 10 hours of overtime a week.The long hours' culture and company pressure also play a big part only 7% say they work long hours because they enjoy their work.
USDAW general secretary Sir Bill Connor says: -The Working Time Directive will revolutionise a sector plagued by problems associated with a deeply embedded culture of working hours. Our survey clearly shows that this culture is damaging the health and social lives of drivers."