7th May 2008
'Binge working Britain' shocker
A binge worker collapsed at her desk |
Mori found that 85 per cent of 18 to 30-year-olds work more than the recommended 35 hours per week, and 68 per cent of those were regularly going two or even three times over this limit.
Get it down
This is a 40 per cent rise in just 20 years and Mori stated that there was "no indication" that this growth is set to slow.
Hundor Perkins, Mori's head of binge Britain surveys, said that compared with the rest of Europe, this was largely a British phenomenon.
"Just look at Mediterranean countries like France or Spain where they have a more relaxed attitude to work. In fact, you barely ever see anyone publicly working as work is viewed as a family thing and fitted around social occasions such as dinner, ogling women and numerous public holidays," Mr Perkins said.
"Britain on the other hand, you can't go out onto the streets late at night without seeing crowds of youths in pinstripe suits and briefcases falling over each other to get on the bus, accompanied with their stereotypical Blackberry accessories."
Get on up
Tabloid papers have been flooded with images of youths collapsed on the streets and desks after sessions of binge working, or engaging in anti-social behaviour, such as working in a bank.
The government has vowed to tackle the problem, with employment minister Charles Clarke stating: "As with any social problem, the government feels that the best solution is to put a tax on working. I'm pleased to announce an extra 20p on income tax from today. Hoorah for the government!"
Psychologist Dr Rimpy Undercroft said that those who regularly binge work show signs are damaging their mental health, show signs of depression, and have "fuck all to talk about, if and when they do go out".
Like a funk machine
However, employers said that the cause of binge-working was a change in the way society views working and that there was nothing wrong with hard work.
"Sorry, I'm between meetings, can I give you a comment at around 8 tonight? If I'm running late I'll get my secretary to send you a text," lambasted Martin Broughton, president of the Confederation of British Industry.
Get it down
This is a 40 per cent rise in just 20 years and Mori stated that there was "no indication" that this growth is set to slow.
Hundor Perkins, Mori's head of binge Britain surveys, said that compared with the rest of Europe, this was largely a British phenomenon.
"Just look at Mediterranean countries like France or Spain where they have a more relaxed attitude to work. In fact, you barely ever see anyone publicly working as work is viewed as a family thing and fitted around social occasions such as dinner, ogling women and numerous public holidays," Mr Perkins said.
"Britain on the other hand, you can't go out onto the streets late at night without seeing crowds of youths in pinstripe suits and briefcases falling over each other to get on the bus, accompanied with their stereotypical Blackberry accessories."
Get on up
Tabloid papers have been flooded with images of youths collapsed on the streets and desks after sessions of binge working, or engaging in anti-social behaviour, such as working in a bank.
The government has vowed to tackle the problem, with employment minister Charles Clarke stating: "As with any social problem, the government feels that the best solution is to put a tax on working. I'm pleased to announce an extra 20p on income tax from today. Hoorah for the government!"
Psychologist Dr Rimpy Undercroft said that those who regularly binge work show signs are damaging their mental health, show signs of depression, and have "fuck all to talk about, if and when they do go out".
Like a funk machine
However, employers said that the cause of binge-working was a change in the way society views working and that there was nothing wrong with hard work.
"Sorry, I'm between meetings, can I give you a comment at around 8 tonight? If I'm running late I'll get my secretary to send you a text," lambasted Martin Broughton, president of the Confederation of British Industry.
