Calls for a shorter working week with no loss of pay are re-emerging, according to a new report.
Employment analysts Incomes Data Services said unions were increasingly campaigning for an improvement in the work-life balance of workers.
Better holidays have been secured at many firms and the average basic working week is now just over 37 hours, research found.
The new emphasis on hours comes ahead of a review of the UK's opt-out of the European working time directive, which aims to limit hours to 48 a week.
Unions are pressing for an end to the opt-out, under which workers can agree not to be covered by the directive.
A review of the UK's arrangements by the European Commission is due to be completed by November.
Monday September 29, 2003
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