The international burnout syndrome study (BoSS) examined burnout in psychiatry trainees and associated factors. Long working hours were significantly associated with burnout.

A high rate of severe burnout in UK psychiatric trainees (38%) was found in the BoSS study. This paper looks at the working hours of UK trainees.

Data collected during the BoSS study included information related to working hours, looking in particular at the working time directive rules. A total of 3964 UK psychiatric trainees were invited to take part, of which 1187 (30%) responded, and 811 (20%) provided complete responses for working hours questions.

The mean age was 33 years, with 49.1% males and equal gender distribution of participants and non-participants. The mean hours of contracted work per week were 42.7 (42.2–43.2) for men, versus 41.1 (40.4–42.0) for women. Actual hours worked were significantly higher at 46.2 (45.0–47.4) for men and 46.0 (44.9–47.1) for women. Forty-six percent of trainees breached one or more working time directive (WTD) safety limits.

Actual hours worked among psychiatric trainees in the United Kingdom are about 10% higher than contracted hours. Female trainees also work more uncontracted hours than male trainees. This is significant when considering the association between hours of work and burnout, and also adds to the perception that women have to work harder for the same recognition as men. Forty-six percent of trainees breached WTD limits.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.