Seven in 10 too busy to take lunch break

Seven in 10 Irish workers are too busy to take a lunch break, new research revealed today.

According to the survey, 68% of swamped employees regularly skip their midday meal.

Bosses proved even more strapped for time, with 81% often unable to stop for lunch.

And of those staff who do manage to snatch a break, more than half said they took just 15 minutes or less.

Alan Price of law firm and survey conductor Peninsula Ireland warned skipping lunch could lead to long term health problems.

“Not enough rest will take its toll and workers will find themselves suffering stress.

“If they are not at work at all, they are not able to help the business power through the recession.”

Mr Price called on employers to enforce lunch breaks for their workers – and give themselves time to recharge.

“It is important during this stressful economic period that employers and employees alike are taking time out to ensure they keep a good work-life balance,” he added.

More than 500 employers and workers from the North and the Republic took part in the email survey.