The Night Worker Handbook forms part of the Council’s wider work to create an inclusive night-time economy in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which includes developing a boroughwide night-time strategy. In 2023, the Council secured the Mayor of London’s Night Time Enterprise Zone status for Woolwich, which enabled it to host Woolwich Lates, a programme of 29 free culture, fitness, food and market events animating the town centre after 6pm. A crucial element of the strategy is ensuring that night-time workers have access to support from the Council and local services, which meet the needs of this under-served community. 

Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said:

We’re committed to supporting a thriving night-time economy as this is vital to the health, resilience and liveliness of our town centres and high streets. Considering the needs of everyone working at night, and keeping our borough functioning smoothly 24/7, is more pressing than ever. Almost a third of Greenwich’s working population work at night, and this number is set to increase as London becomes even more of a 24-hour city. I hope this handbook will be a valuable resource, providing support and guidance to help our night workers stay healthy and safe around the clock.

Numerous studies have shown that working at night presents a distinct set of challenges, including health issues, more precarious work and low pay compared to daytime occupations, with many earning below the London Living Wage.  The handbook signposts night workers to essential information, from specialist advice to support on health and wellbeing.  

Other ways the Council is addressing these issues, and helping to support healthy, fair and inclusive workplaces, is by championing the London Living Wage and good work standards to local employers. The Council is also continuing to work with police and other organisations to keep everyone safe at night, whether you are in the borough or travelling to and from work here. 

Download the Night Worker Handbook

The Council and local partners will be holding a night surgery for workers in the spring in Woolwich town centre, where night workers can just turn up and access many of the services advertised in the handbook.  

Night Worker Pop-Up

Friday 17 May (free)
6pm to 9pm
General Gordon Square, Powis Street and Green's End, Woolwich

Do you work at night-time? On Friday 17 May, come along to visit our engagement stalls to discover services to support you to stay healthy in and out of work. At each spot, you will be able to pick up one of the Night Worker Handbooks, which is packed with information and resources designed to meet the unique needs of those working at night. The Charlton Athletic bus will also be in town doing health checks on Green's End.