Army of night workers needs protection


A TUC analysis has found that there are now more than three million people regularly working at night — an increase of more than 150,000 (5%) since 2013.


Night workers now account for one in nine employees and women account for two-thirds of the increase as a result of the growth in health and social care employment. There has been a big increase in older people working at night. 


Night work — or shift work — can increase the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression and impact on home life and close relationships. 


The TUC has called on the government to tighten the rules on night working and legislate to ensure that workers always have sufficient notice of their shift patterns, with short notice changes compensated. 


Employers and unions should ensure that night working is only introduced where necessary and no existing workers should be forced to work nights, according to the TUC. 


It also called on employers to negotiate shift patterns with unions and for workers to have some element of control over their rotas.

https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/number-people-working-night-shifts-more-150000-5-years