New research from resume builder CVMaker reveals which industries in the UK offer the shortest working weeks, with finance and insurance workers putting in the second-lowest average hours.

The study analysed data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings to identify which sectors have the shortest and longest average working weeks, as well as how this differs between genders across each industry. 

Across the UK, the data shows that workers across all industries average 39.1 weekly work hours, with women putting in 37.8 hours, and men working 39.8 hours. 

The education sector benefits from the shortest working week, with employees working an average of 35.2 hours weekly, 10% less than the UK average (39.1 hours). 

Financial and insurance activities place second with workers clocking an average of 36 hours per week, while two sectors tie for third, both averaging 37.6 hours per week: professional, scientific and technical activities and other service activities. 

The information and communication industry ranks fourth with an average working week of 38 hours. Real estate activities take fifth place with workers averaging 38.1 hours per week, just 2.8% shorter than the national average of 39.1 hours. 

At the other end of the scale, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry has the longest average working week at 42.7 hours. This is 9.2% longer than the national average (39.1). 

The transportation and storage sector ranks second for longest hours, with employees working an average of 42 hours per week.

Two sectors tie for third place in terms of longest hours: construction and water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities, both with an average working week of 41.3 hours. 

Workers in accommodation and food service activities clock an average of 40.4 hours weekly, placing this sector fourth on the list of longest working weeks, while the administrative and support service activities sector ranks fifth for longest hours with an average working week of 40.1 hours. 

The data reveals notable differences between male and female working hours across all industries. Women work fewer hours than men in every sector, with the gap ranging from 0.4 hours in financial services to 3.5 hours in construction.

The education sector offers the shortest working week for both men (35.8 hours) and women (34.8 hours). Women in education work the fewest hours of any group studied.

The widest gender gaps appear in traditionally male-dominated sectors. In construction, men work 41.9 hours compared to women's 38.4 hours, a difference of 3.5 hours weekly. In transportation and storage, the gap is four hours per week.

Nicky Klaasse, CEO of CVMaker, commented: "This study offers valuable insights into which industries might offer better work-life balance. The education sector stands out with significantly shorter working hours than other industries, which may explain why it attracts so many people despite offering a lower salary.

"The consistent pattern of women working fewer hours across all sectors raises questions about workplace flexibility and the ongoing impact of caring responsibilities, such as childcare availability. For job seekers considering a career change, understanding these industry norms can help set expectations and inform decisions.

"The largest gender gaps in working hours appear in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction and transportation, while sectors with more balanced gender representation tend to have smaller differences."