The number of people working more than the European maximum of 48 hours a week has risen by 180,000 already in 2008, according to data released by the TUC.

The union body estimates there are now 3.3m people who regularly work beyond 48 hours as companies attempt to get through the economic crisis by piling work on existing employees rather than taking on new staff.

"After slow but steady progress over the last decade, long hours working is making its way back into Britain's workplaces," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

"Employees across the UK already work the longest hours in Western Europe and the recent increase will mean lower productivity, more stress and less time to have a life outside the office with friends and family."