Brits overworked?

A large chunk of the British workforce is toiling for long hours, with many complaining of a lack of sleep, the findings of new research suggest.

Legal and General’s study reveals that a sizable group of Brits feel they work too many extra hours and are not happy with their work-life balance.

Statistics from a survey show that 42 per cent are unhappy with the amount of sleep they are getting, while 20 per cent think that they are putting in more than enough hours.

Some seven per cent of respondents had not even taken a holiday off work and 49 per cent were worries by their own lack of exercise.

"Work is very important to many people providing purpose, self-worth and fulfilment, but for some, particularly those with heavy work responsibilities, they may become absorbed in their daily routine and so do not take timeout for themselves during the day," said Dr John Delfosse, Legal and General’s group protection business company medical officer.

Dr Delfosse recommended taking a taking a short break from working every three hours, going for a walk, reading a magazine or sitting down for a meal.