Irish have longest working hours in EU

ONE-in-10 Irish workers spend 60 to 80 hours a week working - the biggest proportion in the EU. Another 18% work between 45 and 59 hours a week.

The figures were revealed yesterday as it emerged that changes to the EU's working time directive could mean longer working hours for employees and no compensation for being on-call.

The proposed changes were condemned by Labour Party MEP Proinsias de Rossa, the socialist group in the European parliament, the British Medical Association and by workers and employers groups.