News Article - 24 May 2012
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Some 54 per cent of UK finance workers and accountants work between 36 and 45 hours each week, a survey has found.

Research conducted by recruitment company Robert Half Finance & Accounting found that the figure is not off target for the rest of the world, with the global figure reaching 57 per cent.

Of those questioned, 13 per cent said they worked between 46 and 55 hours per week and four per cent work more than 55 hours on a regular basis.

Ian Graves, managing director continental Europe at Robert Half International, said: "Overwhelmingly, the survey shows that the majority of finance professionals are working excessively long hours.

"To address this issue, change needs to be driven from the top down."

Mr Graves added that employers should provide incentives to help workers achieve a "healthy" balance between life and work, while also encouraging employees to manage their time effectively.

Irish accountants were found to be the hardest working employees globally, with 31 per cent admitting to working between 46 and 55 hours per week.

According to the government, accountants generally work a standard 40 hour week, however this number increases for some.

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