Interesting....




http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn250.pdf

In recent years more businesses have begun to operate
outside standard hours, contributing to a culture of long
or unusual working hours. The ‘24-hour society’ can
increase efficiency and help to meet consumer demand,
but can also have serious health and social impacts.
This briefing outlines the driving factors behind the 24-
hour society and reviews options to manage its negative
impacts, ranging from the European Union (EU)
Working Time Directive to new technological solutions.

Managing the 24-hour society
Some measures to address the challenges posed by the
24 Hour society, such as statutory limits on working
time, are already being implemented in the UK. Others
such as new technologies are still at the trial stage.

Overview
• Negative impacts of the ‘24-hour society’ for workers
include increased incidence of cancer, cardiovascular
disease, obesity and higher divorce and accident rates.
• Negative health effects are more clearly linked to shift
work than long working hours; there are calls for more
research into the latter.
• Current statutory limits on working time are widely
debated. Some researchers suggest risk assessment
models would be more effective, but these are not yet
widespread.
• There is criticism of the lack of working-time flexibility
and appropriate food available to shift workers.
• Education programmes along with workplace
improvements may be an effective way of managing
the effects of unusual working hours. New
technologies could also play a key role, but are not yet
widespread.
• The Government is working to improve urban
environments outside of normal hours, improve road
safety and work-life balance, and give strategic
guidance to employers and local authorities.