Most UK employees 'happy in their work'

A new survey has suggested that the majority of people in the UK are happy in their working lives.

The study, which was carried out by The Work Foundation, revealed that two thirds of people were either 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their work.

Personal fulfilment was considered by most to be more important than pay.

However, 15% - more than four million workers - are dissatisfied with their jobs, which is having a knock-on effect on sickness rates, staff turnover, and productivity.

Meanwhile, 65.3% of UK workers put in more than 35 hours a week - and nearly 40% of workers said that they work long hours out of fear of losing their jobs.

The study also revealed that 61% of workers would like to reduce their hours.

Nick Isles, associate director of The Work Foundation, said, 'On the whole work works. The majority of UK workers are reasonably happy with their lot and happy in their work. However a third of British workers are at best neutral about their job and at worst very dissatisfied'.