A leading union chief has called for more to be done to tackle Britain's "long hours culture".

Trade Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber was responding to a Guardian/ICM poll that showed a majority of people want more time for their families.

The survey found that 61 per cent feel they spend too much time at work.

It also revealed that a majority want the government to give both parents more time off after the birth of children.

The poll also found that 55 per cent want an end to Britain's opt-out from the working time directive and the introduction of a maximum 48-hour working week.

Barber said the findings backed the TUC's campaign for more family-friendly working hours.

"The findings show a backlash against UK’s long hours culture, particularly amongst younger workers," he told ePolitix.com.

"Young people entering the job market are simply not prepared to work the way their parents did, and are choosing to work for firms with good records on work/life balance.

"Firms not offering flexible working options will find themselves losing out as young people opt to work elsewhere.

"The poll also suggests people want a limit on the hours employees work in the UK, something that is currently being frustrated by the government's insistence that our opt-out to the working time directive must remain.

"The challenge ahead is for employers, government and unions to work together to organise work more sensibly to meet the changing needs of the UK labour market."

However the government seized on poll findings that a majority approved of recent reforms and believed that ministers had "got it about right".

"The government recognises how important it is to families to get the right balance between work and home life and it’s good to see a positive response policies we have introduced in this area," a spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said.