SYDNEY The fear of unemployment is prompting millions of Australian workers to put in countless hours of unpaid overtime, a report released Sunday said.

The Australia institute, a private think tank, said overwork had overtaken unemployment as the biggest labor market issue. Director Clive Hamilton said it had become the norm in some companies for employees to start early and finish late.

"What we're seeing is an increasing number of people who are working harder and suffering from exhaustion and stress," he said.

"I would imagine that a lot of family Christmases will be undermined somewhat by exhaustion on the part of the workers, which also is spilling over into family."

(DPA)