Love in the office is flourishing because of Britain's long hours culture, research suggests.

One in five office romances begin over after-work drinks or through working closely together, a survey found.

But many relationships also begin in the canteen or lift, according to the poll of 9,000 workers.

People in the same environment often share other interests

Psychologist Professor Robert Edelmann

People were just as likely to meet their partner at work as in a bar or through friends, it said.

The survey also found that 10% had met partners in the canteen and 1% in the lift.

But most people who start a relationship at work are reluctant about telling other colleagues, according to the research for an online recruitment firm.

'Love contracts'

Psychologist Professor Robert Edelmann said: "Longer working hours means the workplace provides the major opportunity for us to meet with others.

"As well as shared interest in work, people in the same environment often share other interests as well as certain personality characteristics."

However some firms put office relationships on a legal footing, instructing lawyers to draw up "love contracts".

The contracts - popular among US firms - usually require people working for the same firm to tell their managers if they are involved with anyone from work - and to keep them up to speed as the situation changes.