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Answer

To the question: Between 1997 and 2006, many OECD countries, including Canada, saw a decline in the proportion of workers putting in 50 or more hours a week. Which of these countries saw the biggest decline?

The correct answer is C: United Kingdom , where the proportion of workers putting in 50 or more hours a week fell by 9.8 percentage points. Canada saw a decline of 2.1 points, and Japan, 1.8.

Trends in Canada's usual hours worked were quite similar to those in other OECD countries. Most of these countries had declines in average usual hours of work between 1997 and 2006, with more consistent declines occurring for men. When looking at the more detailed hour categories (available only for selected countries), many OECD countries, like Canada, had declines in the proportion of people working long hours (50 or more).

Most OECD countries saw a decline in the proportion working 50 or more hours a week

Chart: Most OECD countries saw a decline in the proportion working 50 or more hours a week

Table: Most OECD countries saw a decline in the proportion working 50 or more hours a week. Opens a new browser window.

Most OECD countries saw a decline in the proportion working 50 or more hours a week


Source: Hours polarization revisited HTML | PDF

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