WORKERS in Yorkshire each do an average £4,366 worth of unpaid overtime a year, says a report.

The TUC and the Government's Labour Force Survey showed that 17.5% of employees put in an average of seven hours and 12 minutes each week beyond their contracted hours.

That equates to the average worker missing out on £84 a week in overtime, worth £4,366 each a year and £1.5bn across the region.

The TUC also calculated that if everyone in the UK did all their unpaid work at the start of the year they would not be paid until February 23.

Workers in the North-East did the most unpaid overtime last year, an average of seven hours 42 minutes a week.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "We still work the longest hours in Europe and too many workplaces are gripped by a long hours culture.

"There are some small signs that the UK is getting a bit better, but there is still a long way to go."

He added: "We do not want to turn Britain into a nation of clock-watchers and few mind putting in extra effort from time to time when it is needed.

"But it is too easy for extra time to get taken for granted and then expected every week."

The TUC is urging people to work their proper hours on February 23, take a decent lunch break and go home on time. Mr Barber said employees were being urged to take a stand on February 23, which is Work Your Proper Hours Day.

Steven Leigh, senior policy adviser for the Aspley-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the TUC survey implied that firms were exploiting their employees.

But he said: "Company bosses know that happy employees make for a more successful and productive company.

"So it is not in the interests of the employer to expect staff to routinely work extra hours for no reward."

Mr Leigh said businesses regularly allowed employees time off for personal reasons and agreed to flexible working arrangements.

He added: "Many companies arrange for employees to take time off in lieu for working extra hours and often make special bonus payments in compensation.

"Professional staff tend to work longer hours to satisfy their own ambitions and career aspirations. This is usually reflected in the salary package they receive.

"In the case of hourly-paid workers it is usual for overtime to be paid, often at premium rates."

A spokeswoman for employers' group the CBI said: "It isn't in anyone's interest to routinely work very long hours, although it can be necessary at times for staff to work longer than normal."

She also said more firms were offering various types of flexible working.