New report calls on UK to be more active during work hours

A new study has highlighted the need for UK employers to encourage staff to take decent breaks and keep active during the day.

Conducted on behalf of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and health insurer Aviva, the research involved around 2,000 people, revealing that around one in five employees worked through their lunch.

Moreover, half of those who did manage to take a break ate at their desk, with only one in five going outside and three percent heading to the gym. This lack of exercise is putting people at risk of back and neck pain, as well as more serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease and stroke.

As such, companies have been urged to take steps to offer exercise opportunities, such as subsidised gym membership, a lunchtime running club or an after-work fitness class.

Karen Middleton, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: "It is in everybody's interests to find ways to tackle the enormous problem of inactivity in the UK and we would encourage people to take responsibility for their own health."

The report coincides with the society's Workout at Work Day, which takes place today (June 6th 2014) and aims to promote greater levels of physical activity among UK workers.