People who work long hours drink more alcohol

A new study has revealed that employees who work for 49 or more hours per week drink an extra pint or glass of wine, on average, compared to those who work a typical shift pattern.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) research found that drinking starts to increase as people work beyond the typical 40-hour week.

The study author, Professor Lode Godderis, from KU Leuven University in Belgium, said: "We know that having long working hours is stressful and that alcohol reduces stress.

"Having a drink can make you feel more relaxed, and after a long week of long or hard work, you feel like you deserve a treat, so we give ourselves a present."

Godderis also suggests that working from home during the pandemic and taking on additional jobs means that growing numbers are working longer weeks, which could lead to more people drinking and harming their health.

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