Republic’s workers put in fewer hours than EU peers

IRELAND’S reputation as one of the most industrious nations in the EU is under threat as eastern Europeans are putting in two hours more labour per week than Irish workers.

Despite having some of the fewest public holidays and shortest annual leave of any EU workers, Irish employees still work less than most European workers, according to a study.

The annual report by the EU on working time across Europe shows Irish workers are only ranked 22nd out of 27 EU member states in terms of the number of hours worked each week.