New workforce data reveals that Yorkshire and the Humber has the lowest proportion of employees regularly working beyond contracted hours, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable employment practices.
Only 36% of workers in the region report working additional hours, well below the UK average of 42%. This contrasts with Northern Ireland, where 48% of employees regularly work overtime, indicating a heavier workload culture.
The findings, based on research by recruitment firm Reed, highlight a broader issue: across the UK, many workers are clocking extra hours due to job demands and unmanageable workloads. However, compensation remains inconsistent. In Yorkshire and the Humber, less than a third of those working overtime are paid for it, and 40% receive no compensation at all.
The region also faces a mixed picture on wage satisfaction. Half of workers are happy with their current pay, while the other half cite stagnant wages and low-paying sectors as reasons for dissatisfaction.
The research, drawn from over 21 million job ads and a survey of 5,000 workers, offers a window into current pressures on workforce wellbeing, job design, and compensation.
