working week

Almost three quarters of those who took part in a union survey said they were rarely or never able to do the work, preparation and correcting they had been asked to do within their working week.

Some 64% said they could never complete all of the tasks assigned to them in their working week.

Only 1% of those who completed the survey said they had sufficient time in a typical working week to complete paperwork, liaise with colleagues and external agencies, and attend meetings in relation to supporting pupils with additional support needs.

Industry estimates indicate that vacant office space has nearly doubled since the pandemic, a quarter of dry-cleaning businesses have shut down, and the number of golf games played during the working week has risen 350% - suggesting some people are mixing work and pleasure.

The average working week should not exceed 44 hours, according to Chinese labour laws, which also state that employers should ensure workers have at least one rest day a week.