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28th January 2021
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Tradespeople are the healthiest workers in the UK, according to new research.
A survey of 2,014 UK adults by IronmongeryDirect, has revealed that those working in the trades such as plumbing, construction, and electrical installation are the healthiest workers in the UK.
Due to the nature of their job, a tradesperson is active for up to seven hours per day, burning up to 2,500 calories - more than any other type of worker.
When it comes to getting physical, trade workers are even healthier than health and fitness professionals, such as personal trainers. Despite the nature of their job, workers in this sector are in fact the second healthiest in the UK, being physically mobile for five hours per day.
Unsurprisingly, those working in offices are the most sedentary, with marketing, information & communications, and call centre workers all failing to be active for an hour per day, burning less than 300 calories through work related activity.
However, almost one in five (19%) UK workers 'top up' their activity levels with a weekly gym session.
More than half (51%) blame work pressures for their lack of activity, stating stress and busy schedules.
Despite tradespeople being known to love mid-morning snacks to keep energy levels up, it's office-based workers who are more likely to succumb to sugary treats, with 23% admitting to enjoying a daily indulgence, as sweets and biscuits are passed around.
Top five healthiest jobs:
* Trades (construction, plumbing) - 7 hours of activity per day
* Health and fitness - 5 hours of activity per day
* Agriculture - 4.5 hours of activity per day
* Retail - 3.5 hours of activity per day
* Manufacturing - 3 hours of activity per day
Top five unhealthiest jobs:
* Information and communication - 0.4 hours of activity per day
* Marketing - 0.6 hours of activity per day
* Professional service (law accountancy) - 0.7 hours of activity per day
* Utilities - 1 hour of activity per day
* Government - 1.4 hours of activity per day
"Incorporating elements of a healthy lifestyle into your working day is essential," advises Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director of IronmongeryDirect. "A balanced diet, regular breaks, fresh air, and moderate exercise are important.
"Those with active jobs, such as individuals working in the trade industry, should ensure they are consuming the correct number of calories to avoid running out of fuel during busy or strenuous days. However, those with lower activity levels should also be conscious of what they eat, being aware that they are burning less energy."
30th June 2017