British Hunger for Work Spells End of the Hour-Long Lunch Break?

NORWICH, England - This week sees the end of the summer holidays as people across the UK return to work. Yet something that shouldn’t be forgotten in those hectic first days back is the importance of a proper lunch break, following a survey showing that the average break is now just half an hour (32.6 minutes).

The study, undertaken by Kettle(R) Chips, revealed that 3.4 million (7%) British adults don’t take a lunch break, and one in three (33%) eat their lunch at work. One in five (19%) don’t even leave their desks to eat.

James Brook, a well-known workplace psychologist, shares his thoughts on this:

“People don’t realise how important it is to take regular breaks whilst at work, as your brain can become sluggish and over-used. A break from your desk to eat lunch, perhaps in a local park or with friends, is a vital part of your working day and shouldn’t be overlooked. Lunch breaks are a time to recharge, and can also reduce stress, boost positive emotion and increase productivity in the afternoon.”

Andrew Slamin, marketing director of Kettle Foods, who commissioned the survey, said, “It’s clear that taking a break for lunch is no longer a priority for many Brits. As workplace pressures increase, many will just have a quick bite to eat, not realising the benefits of taking a proper break.”

The lunch habit-focused study, which questioned over 2,000 UK adults, also revealed that:

- The humble sandwich remains the favourite lunchtime choice, eaten by three out of four (74%) Brits. - The average lunchbox contains a bag of crisps for almost a quarter (22%) of people surveyed. Other popular choices are fruit (42%); soup (37%); salad (31%); and yogurt (25%). - Londoners spend longest on lunch (34.6%) and are the healthiest eaters, being most likely to choose a salad or sushi for lunch. - Scots eat the most sandwiches and pastries at lunchtime. - Twice as many men than women skip lunch (9% of males compared to 5% of females do not have lunch on a typical weekday)

Notes to Editors

- Opinium Research LLP carried out an online poll of 2,017 British adults. Results have been weighted to nationally representative data.

For more information contact: Zoe Springett at Westgate on +44(0)7984-864486 or zoe@westgatecomms.com

Source: Kettle Chips

For more information contact: Zoe Springett at Westgate on +44(0)7984-864486 or zoe at westgatecomms.com