WORKERS in the UK are working an average 11 hours each day from home during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study.

New data from NordVPN Teams (one of the world’s largest suppliers of the secure virtual private networks corporates use for enabling online working) shows a massive spike since March 11 in business VPN usage worldwide in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. This directly correlates with the mass increase in remote work globally.

The daily UK figure has increased by two hours to 11, level with the USA, which has added an extra three hours to its daily workers’ schedule.

In addition to the findings, the data revealed employees are also starting work earlier - but finishing at the same time. The lack of morning commute could be the cause.

Daniel Marcusson, Digital Privacy Expert of NordVPN Teams, said: “The analysis of our clients indicated that their 10,000s of corporate employees that have started working from home in the past week are typically working 11 hours a day, some of the longest hours in the world at this time.

“Typically people homeworking are starting work earlier - but finishing at their usual same time. The lack of a morning commute is currently being used as additional work time, which looks like a win-win for employees and businesses.

“In the face of Coronavirus pandemic, people seem to be focused and united more than ever. Therefore, we expect the working hours to remain longer throughout the crisis.

"When the restrictions are lifted, I expect that many UK businesses will be much more receptive to greater homeworking.”