Union calls for better pay and conditions for Britain’s millions of night shift workers

Millions of night-shift workers across the country should get better pay and working conditions, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said.

As clocks go back this weekend, the union said many of those working overnight are on low pay and insecure contracts.

Research by TUC revealed that almost one-third of night-shift workers earn less than £10-an-hour. Seven in ten are paid below £15-an-hour, roughly the UK median wage.

Despite the heightened health risks that come with night work and the disruption it causes to workers’ lives, the TUC said there is no evidence of a ‘pay premium’ for those working overnight.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘We all owe Britain’s night workers a huge debt for keeping the country running while we are asleep.

‘Working through the night is tough – with night-workers at higher risk of health problems and disruption to their daily lives.

‘But many of those who work overnight – especially in key sectors like care – are on low pay and insecure contracts,’ she said.

‘As the cost-of-living crisis escalates, ministers must do more to ensure all night workers get the pay they deserve.

‘That means raising the minimum wage to £15 an hour as soon as possible and improving working conditions so all night workers are treated with dignity at work.’

The calls for better pay come as two million workers across the UK are expected to strike for an increase in wages this winter.

Ambulance workers, teachers and doctors could be included in those set to walkout over the coming months.

In November, members of the militant Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) are planning another round of industrial action over a longstanding dispute over pay and working conditions. 

Rail companies are warning that only about one in five services will run on November 5, 7 and 9, while in some areas there will be no trains running. 

Earlier this week 3,500 UK Border Force, immigration and visa office staff threatened to walk out over the Christmas period, which could lead to long queues at airports and ports as millions travel to be with loved ones.