UK workers work "excessive" hours

The UK tops the list of nations who work excessive hours, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The ILO study "Working Time Around the World" says that one-quarter of UK employees work more than 48 hours a week, more than any other wealthy nation. Other long working nations are Israel, Australia, Switzerland and the US.

Among developing countries, Peruvians tops the list of workers, it found that more than half of the nation put in more than 48 hours a week. South Korea, Thailand and Pakistan are not far behind, according to the report.

The report found that more than 600 million people worldwide are working long hours each week.

The ILO blames the growth of service industries, such as tourism and transport, plus an expansion in informal working arrangements, for the excess of global working hours.