Average commute now takes 59 minutes with workers travelling for longer than ever before

Travelling to work is taking longer than ever before – with the average daily commute now stretching to almost an hour, according to new research by the TUC.

Getting to and from work every day is taking 59 minutes, an increase of five minutes from a decade ago, says the trade union body. The equivalent of 221 hours a year.

The TUC analysis found every region in the country has seen an increase in commuting time with the biggest rise being in the southeast – up by 31 hours per year.

The second highest increase is in the northwest (26 hours a year) and west midlands (24 hours a year).

Lack of investment in transport infrastructure and employers not offering staff more chances to work flexibly – from home or remote working spaces – is to blame, says the union.

They also highlighted how wages have stagnated or fallen, while the increase in house prices is making it difficult for working people to live close to the office.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: “We’re now spending a whopping 221 hours a year going to and from work – valuable time which could be spent with family and friends.”

O’Grady called on the government to renationalise trains and buses in order to cut journey times and lower fares.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise, which campaigns for flexible work, said: “There are many ways of avoiding the misery of commuting during the dark mornings and evenings, which millions of people endure as they struggle to get to and from work. These include implementing flexitime, staggered working hours and working from home.

“Clearly the government, public transport providers and employers must do more in order to address the major negative impact on the UK’s economy, lost productivity and the environment.”