The recession is taking its toll on the life and health of Britain's workforce, a new survey has revealed.
According to a report published by Cancer Research UK a quarter of Britions say they are working longer because of the economic downturn.
And half of those surveyed said they were spending less time taking excercise because of the pressure of work.
The dossier compiled by Cancer research shows that compared to the same period last year 56 per cent admit that work affects the amount of exercise they take.
And 26 per cent of those surveyed confessed they do not take any regular exercise.
The report comes as Cancer Research UK launches a "Take 5 Challenge" - designed to help people incorporate exercise and fitness into their lives and to achieve a good work/life balance.
The survey shows how job cuts and a looming fear of redundancy are affecting people’s lifestyles.
Over half (56 per cent) of those who are clocking up extra hours have an increased workload.
A third (34 per cent) say they are over stretched staff-wise and a quarter (25 per cent) are worried about their job security.
More than a third (38 per cent) of workers are unhappy with their work/life balance as they are working too much.
In terms of nutrition, 82 per cent of workers say that being busy at work affects their diet, with 41 per cent of workers going for speed over health when choosing food options.
Four out of five (81 per cent) of all adults admit they do not get their five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
The "Take 5 Challenge" include tips on extra activity, stretching and hydration, have been designed to help people improve their general health and fitness and get them in the right mind set to take part in a Run 10k.
Cancer Research UK is organising a series of 10k runs at venues across county in the autumn.
Cancer Research UK has worked closely with celebrity fitness expert Steve Halsall to create the step-by-step plans, which can be viewed and downloaded at www.run10k.org/take5challenge.
Steve Halsall said:" Doing the 'Take 5 Challenge' and making five small changes to your everyday routine, which require little or no extra time, can have a huge beneficial effect on your fitness levels and general well-being.
"It will also show you easy it is to take that next step and sign-up for a Run 10k this year. Taking part in a Run 10k will also give you that feel-good factor and sense of achievement that is second-to-none."
Birmingham City Football Club MD Karen Brady, who is backing the 'Take 5 Challenge' adds: "Encouraging a good work/life balance is crucial in keeping morale high and increasing motivation, commitment and engagement.
"Cancer Research UK’s Run 10k 'Take 5 Challenge' encourages people to incorporate health and fitness into their busy lives, which is a great way for workers and their bosses to boost their sense of wellbeing.
"And by signing up to a Run 10k this year, people will be raising money for a fantastic cause at the same time."
To view and download the ‘Take 5 Challenge’ plans, please go to www.run10k.org/take5challenge
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