Fatigue causes many to avoid sex

More than a third of respondents said they did not have enough time to spend with partners or children.

Up to 58% claimed they did not properly enjoy the time they did spend with their families because they were so tired.

Community work, socialising, personal fitness and hobbies all suffer under excessive working hours.

And 62% say long hours at the office mean they skimp on housework.

The union Amicus, which carried out the survey, said it showed how damaging the UK's "long hours working culture" was.

HOW LONG HOURS DISRUPT LIVES Sex life 18% Relationship with partners 35% Relationship with children 35% Family life 45% Social life 38% Percentage who said long hours had a negative effect

The results of the survey were being unveiled at a conference in Preston, Lancashire, on Tuesday.

It was due to be attended by more than 100 workers from many of the North West's biggest employers.

They include BAE Systems, Thales, local authorities, the NHS and several universities.

Chris Ball, Amicus National Secretary, said: "The results of our survey show how damaging the long hours working culture is to the UK.

"Our workers are burning out and not enjoying their leisure time due to excessive working hours.

"Business must act to change this culture or face a backlash from workers who value their time off."