The number of white workers regularly doing night shifts has fallen by more than 570,000 in the same period, a 19% reduction. One in six workers from ethnic minorities now do regular night work, compared with one in 11 white workers.
There has also been an increase of 37,500 young workers (age 16-24) doing night work since 2014, and an increase of 178,200 workers aged over 55.
Read more: Weekend and night shift demand rockets as workers feel pinch
According to TUC general secretary Paul Nowak, these increases are due to structural inequalities.
He said: “We all owe Britain’s night workers a huge debt for keeping the country running while the rest of us are asleep. They do vital work. But too many night workers are on insecure contracts that can often lead to exploitation, excessive fatigue and a breakdown of personal relationships.
“And it is no coincidence that the burden of night work now disproportionally falls on black and ethnic minority workers. This is the result of persistent structural inequalities in our labour market.”
The TUC's analysis was published as part of a report undertaken on behalf of five trade unions by the University of Greenwich and Anglia Ruskin University. The report, published earlier this month, shows that the health risks of regular night work include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
Night shift intensification also leads to excessive fatigue and a deterioration of family and social relations, as well as safety risks when travelling to and from shifts, particularly for women.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which participated in the report, said that night workers in the rail sector need urgent support.
He said: “Our members are suffering serious health issues and struggling to maintain a work/life balance. Chronic fatigue is a reality for many, and the industry's failure to manage fatigue puts workers at risk. The rail sector needs to step up and take immediate action to support night workers and protect their wellbeing."
Lucy Cobb, employment law specialist at HR software company BrightHR, urged HR leaders to ensure that they comply with regulations around working time and health and safety.
Speaking to HR magazine, she explained: “It’s HR’s job to comply with the Working Time Regulations 1998, which limits night workers to an average of 8 hours in any 24-hour period and entitles them to health assessments and rest breaks.
“The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also requires employers to ensure health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including by conducting risk assessments for night work.
“Other key regulations include the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which mandates risk assessments and management, and the Equality Act 2010, which requires non-discriminatory practices and accommodations for disabilities or health conditions.”
Read more: Case study: Co-op shines spotlight on the night shift
Employers should also support night workers’ mental health, said Sam Fromson, COO and co-founder of employee benefits provider YuLife.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “Shift workers should have access to mental health support and incentives to cultivate healthy habits on a daily basis. [...]
“Managers also need to be trained to be sensitive to the signs of excessive tiredness and burnout.”
Fromson added that signposting support is equally important to having it: “Many employers offer access to services such as 24-hour GP access, but employees are often unaware of them.
“It’s essential to explain what support is available to shift workers, where they can find it and how to reach out with any questions.”
The TUC analysed the Labour Force Survey Q2 2014 and Q2 2024.