The charts illustrate the weekly working hours of employees in the industrial sector across four European countries—France, Denmark, Sweden, and the UK—in 2002.
Overall, the majority of workers in all countries were concentrated in the 36-40 hour range. While short working hours (1-14) were uncommon, long hours (over 50) were notably more prevalent in the UK and Sweden than in France and Denmark.
In France, just under 40% of workers fell into the 36-40 hour bracket, while slightly more than 40% worked 31-35 hours weekly. Around 20% worked between 46 and 50 hours, and the remaining categories each accounted for roughly 10%. Denmark displayed a more uniform trend, with 70% of workers working 36-40 hours, followed by 25% in the 31-35 range. The other groups were minimal, each contributing less than 10%.
Sweden showed the highest concentration in the 36-40 hour category at 80%. Additionally, about 35% worked 31-35 hours and 30% fell into the 41-45 hour bracket, with other categories making up 20% or less. In contrast, the UK showed more variation: 50% worked 36-40 hours, while around 20% worked both 46-50 and over 50 hours per week. Approximately 15% worked 41-45 hours, and the rest comprised less than 10% each.