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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Risk of "burnout" as more people work long hours

11 September 2015

Risk of "burnout" as more people work long hoursThe number of people working excessive hours has risen by 15% since 2010, according to the TUC.

The TUC analysis reveals that the number of employees working more than 48 hours per week has now reached 3,417,000 - up by 453,000 since 2010, following more than a decade of decline in long hours working.

It warns that regularly working more than 48 hours per week is linked to a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease, stress, mental illness, strokes and diabetes.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Britain's long hours culture is hitting productivity and putting workers' health at risk."

According to the research, many people are working unpaid overtime and at least a million say that they want to cut their excessive hours.

Those working long hours are still disproportionately men (2,544,000 men compared to 873,000 women in 2015) but the number of women working 48 hour plus weeks has increased by 18% since 2010, compared to a 15% increase in the number of men.

The TUC is calling on the Government to reassess its negative view of the EU Working Time Directive, which has been brought into UK law and stipulates a 48-hour working week. Many long hours employees report that they feel pressured to "opt-out" from the 48-hour limit as a condition of employment (individual opt-outs are currently allowed by law).

All areas of the UK have seen an increase in the number of long-hours workers but Yorkshire and the Humber has seen by far the biggest increase with 30% more employees working over 48 hours a week in 2015 than in 2010. There have also been big increases in Wales (22%) and London (21%).

The growth in long hours has impacted differently on various industries. The biggest increases have been in mining and quarrying (64%), agriculture, fishing and forestry (43%), accommodation and food services (36%), health and social work (32%) and education (31%).

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