Workers with the lowest wages in Germany often work the longest hours, according to a new study published by the DIW think-tank today.
The low-wage sector, defined as hourly wages of less than €9.25, grew strongly in Germany until around 2006.
It now accounts for some 22% of the country's total workforce.
People in full-time jobs in the sector work an average of 44.9 hours a week, 2.1 hours more than higher-paid workers.
Part-time workers work an average 28 hours, 2.2 hours longer than their counterparts on higher wages, DIW found.
The low-wage workers put in longer hours to boost their monthly pay, which averages around €1,350 for full-time workers and €793 for part-timers, DIW calculated.
