It's Official: The End of the UK's 'Lunch Hour'

The UK's traditional lunch hour is under threat and could soon disappear altogether, as recent research found that only one in four workers are still taking the statutory one-hour for lunch. The national survey by break experts Kit Kat in conjunction with test Research, a member of the MORI organisation, discovered the average length of the midday break is now just 39 minutes.

As pressure in the work place increases, having a whole hour for lunch is now being seen as a luxury many believe they cannot afford, with half taking 30 minutes or less. Although 85% of those surveyed by Kit Kat acknowledged that they believed regular breaks are important for well being and for productivity, 13% of respondents admitted never taking a break in the day. Alarmingly, among working mothers, the group acknowledged to be the most pressurised, 46% said they never, or only occasionally, have a lunch break.

One explanation is that only 30% of workers still have a fixed time in which to take their lunch. So the majority now regulate their own time and are either choosing, or feeling pressured into taking just brief breaks. Psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman, former advisor to the Institute of Personnel Management on health and psychology policies and issues, believes this is a false economy.

Dr Sigman commented: "Workers must realise that when it comes to the quality of working hours - less, is often, more - quantity is not quality. Regular short breaks along with an hour away from your desk or work station at lunch time is ideal, especially considering that British employees work the longest hours in Europe, yet are getting less sleep and rest than they used to. Employees should consider a lunch break part of their job description, and employers should encourage this practice - it will lead to better performance."

Regular Breaks make you feel better looking and more successful Kit Kat's famous adage 'Have a break ... Have a Kit Kat' seems to be close to people's hearts as 85% of people believe that regular breaks are important for well-being, specifically agreeing that when they take regular breaks:

• I'm more productive (67% agree)
• I make fewer mistakes (68% agree)
• Successful people take more breaks (38% agree)
• I look better (52% agree)
• I have fewer arguments (49%)
• I take less time off sick (43%)

Sean Connery a favourite for break dates! Of those surveyed by Kit Kat, almost one in three workers said they'd rather be alone during their break than mix with anyone - even their favourite celebrity. Only 39% always prefer company, wanting to have a sociable break.

The research found that amongst a selection of celebrities both Tony Blair and blue rinser Mrs Merton were amongst the least favourite break companions. However, it wasn't just politicians and comediennes that were not favoured, Star Wars hero Ewan McGregor and Mrs Fat Boy Slim (aka Zoe Ball) were low down people's list.

The research reveals that we'd rather have international smoothie Sean Connery for a break date. His reputation for mixing business with pleasure and his links with international icon 007 have clearly left a lasting impression. Funny man Lenny Henry achieved 2nd place, for bringing some light relief into the workplace. However, it's 'no thanks, we're working' to beautiful star Cameron Diaz who only scored 8th place.

Who suffers most? Break experts Kit Kat have discovered that mums with children under 16 are the most pressurised of working people and in need of a rest, owing to the demands of work and family life. Least pressurised were men aged 55 and over, i.e. those at the end of their careers and looking forward to retirement. Not surprisingly, people living in the South of England appear to feel most stressed with 51% saying that only rarely do they feel pressurised compared with 40% in the Midlands and 49% in the North.

Self-help tips Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman recommends the following tips:

• Regular short breaks along with an hour away from your desk at lunch time is ideal and will enable you to perform better
• Working through the lunch hour will increase stress levels and skipping lunch altogether lowers blood sugar, making you weaker and far less productive
• Getting away from your desk or workstation for just a quick change in scenery will actually improve your productivity and creativity back at your desk
• Walking is a very effective, but underestimated, form of exercise. Walk 15 minutes to get your lunchtime sandwich and you can skip those aerobic classes
• A lunch break can be used constructively to help you manage your leisure time - complete chores such as paying bills or shopping for essentials - you'll increase your free time in the evenings

Technical details

Test Research interviewed a representative sample of 1024 adults aged 16+ across Britain. Interviews were conducted between 12-16 May 1999.