Half of labour force work evenings, nights or in the weekend

In 2001 just over 55 percent of the employed labour force nearly four million people, worked evening or night shifts or in the weekend. In 2000 this proportion was slightly higher.

Employed labour force working irregular hours, 2001

Relatively many young people work irregular shifts

Just under half of the labour force work only in the daytime on weekdays. The remainder work mainly in the evenings or on Saturdays; just over 43 percent regularly or sometimes work in the evening, 16 percent work at night, 44 percent on Saturdays and 28 percent on Sundays

Relatively speaking, slightly more men (54 percent) than women (52 percent) and generally more younger (six out of ten 15-24 year-olds) than older people work irregular hours.

Working on Saturdays is more common than working on Sundays. Forty-four percent of the employed labour force work on Saturdays, just over a quarter on Sundays.

Half of young women work in the evening

Nearly 45 percent of men and 41 percent of women work evening shifts. For men there is hardly a difference between young and old, while for women relatively many 15-24 year-olds work in the evenings (49 percent).

Employed labour force working night shifts, 2001

Many men work at night

More men than women work at night: twenty percent of men compared with twelve percent of women. Men aged 35-44 years in particular are more likely to do night work. The lowest rates for night shifts are for older women.

Henk Swinkels