Shop managers regularly work excessive hours to meet targets and boost profit margins, according to the shop workers' union Usdaw.

The union says they are putting their own health and safety and their family's lives at risk by working more than 48 hours a week.

It wants the Government to scrap a clause which allows workers to opt out of the European Union's maximum 48-hour working week.

Usdaw believes many workers feel pressured into signing opt-out agreements and is sending survey forms to 12,000 members. The results will be sent to the Government.

Wednesday September 01, 2004