In a recent study conducted by Journo Research in collaboration with global fintech group Plus500, Mid Suffolk has been named the hardest-working area in the UK.
The research analysed data from the Office for National Statistics, focusing on the average paid weekly working hours across all local authorities in the country.
Mid Suffolk, home to towns such as Stowmarket, Needham Market, and Eye, emerged at the top of the list, with employees in the region clocking an average of 41.8 paid hours per week—the highest in the UK.
Close behind is the Cambridgeshire area of Fenland, where workers average 41.6 paid hours weekly. Fenland includes towns like March, Chatteris, and Whittlesey. South Holland in Lincolnshire, encompassing the market town of Spalding along with Crowland and Holbeach, secured the third spot with an average of 41.4 paid hours per week.
North Lincolnshire follows in fourth place, with employees working an average of 41.2 hours weekly. This region includes the industrial town of Scunthorpe, as well as Epworth and Brigg. Rounding out the top five is Thurrock in Essex, where the average working week comprises 41.1 paid hours. Thurrock is known for its towns of Grays, South Ockendon, and Tilbury.
On the other end of the spectrum, Merthyr Tydfil in Wales recorded the lowest average working hours in the UK, with employees working an average of just 36.7 paid hours per week.
Top 10 Hardest-Working Areas in the UK
- Mid Suffolk – 41.8 hours
- Fenland – 41.6 hours
- South Holland – 41.4 hours
- North Lincolnshire – 41.2 hours
- Thurrock – 41.1 hours
- Dacorum – 40.9 hours
- Torridge – 40.8 hours
- Boston – 40.7 hours
- Babergh – 40.6 hours
- Tandridge – 40.6 hours
- Mid Devon – 40.6 hours
- North Warwickshire – 40.6 hours
- King’s Lynn and West Norfolk – 40.5 hours
The study highlights the variations in working hours across the UK, providing insight into the work culture in different regions.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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