So what does that mean? It’s the day when, according to official statistics, the average person who does unpaid overtime stops working for free, and starts to earn for themselves. Along with lots of other unions led by the TUC, we think that is a day we should celebrate. So what can you do to mark the day?

• Above all, for at least that one day, work only your proper contracted hours
• Take a proper lunch-break, not just a sandwich at your desk
• Arrive on time having not touched your email or turned up early to “just get sorted”
• Leave on time and enjoy your freedom and your own life on Friday evening

For more ideas visit the official website: www.workyourproperhoursday.com

The costs

Let’s take a look at the figures:

• employees who do unpaid overtime in UK on average do an extra seven hours twelve minutes work a week
• they would take home an extra £5,402 a year if they were paid the average wage!
• or … another way of looking at it: these employees contributed a whacking great £27.4 billion worth of unpaid overtime in 2009.

Brendan Barber from the TUC said:
Most employers are understandably focused on fighting their way through the recession. But they shouldn’t overlook working cultures such as pointless presenteeism – keeping people at their desks for no good reason. Regular over-long hours cause stress and damage people’s health and productivity – they’re bad for staff and bad for business too.

Visit the website now to find out more, download posters, send your friends e-cards, and take part in the long hours advice quiz.

And above all – make sure you enjoy your own free time on Friday. Tell us what you’re doing to celebrate!

www.workyourproperhoursday.com