UK workers toil for nothing for an average of seven hours and six minutes a week, according to a recent survey of unpaid overtime undertaken by the TUC.

This equates to about £4,800 a year of unpaid overtime per employee – a massive saving and investment for businesses – and if all staff did their ’free time’ at the start of the year they would not get paid until 23rd February, according to the report.

In recognition of this the TUC has nominated 23rd February as Work Your Proper Hours Day, and is encouraging people to take their proper breaks and go home on time to mark the occasion.

Employers are also being asked to recognise their UK investment in their workers and to thank their staff by taking them to lunch or out for a drink in the evening as a reward for their efforts.

Employees in the North East of England did the most unpaid overtime last year, with an average of seven hours and 42 minutes, while those in Scotland did the least, at six hours and 30 minutes.

“We work the longest hours in Europe and too many workplaces are gripped by a long-hours culture,” said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

“We do not want to turn Britain into a nation of clock-watchers, and few mind putting in the extra effort when necessary, but it is too easy for extra time to get taken for granted and then expected every week.”