Time on the job kills passion

The survey said long hours affected all areas of life

One in five Scottish employees is put off sex because they have to work long hours, according to new research.

A survey by the manufacturing union Amicus said that 19% of workers were too tired to indulge in passion with their partners.

The union said that community work, socialising, personal fitness and hobbies also suffered from excessive working hours.

Its health and safety survey suggested that all aspects of family life were being affected.

Excessive hours

A third of those questioned said their relationship with their children and their partners suffered.

And two thirds blamed long working hours for failing to keep up with the housework.

John Quigley, national secretary of the union, which was formed from the amalgamation of the MSF and AEEU, said: "Forcing people to work excessive hours is the work equivalent to a low carbohydrate diet - immediate results but with potentially damaging effects on the health of your business.

"BA workers striking over long hours showed just how seriously the modern workforce takes health and safety and the hours they are being asked to work."

The survey questioned 3,500 people across the UK, of which 400 were in Scotland, during September.