Some of the UK's largest firms - including Barclays, Dixons and Marks & Spencer - are to take part in week of activities aimed at tackling work-related stress.

The move is part of Work-Life Balance Week, which has been organised by the Work-Life Balance Trust.

The trust says that at least one in 10 British workers has suffered from serious work related stress.

The week is designed to promote the benefits of flexible working practices for staff and employers.

Longer hours

Last month a government survey found that British employees are working an increasing number of hours.

A survey by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) found that one in six people worked more than 60 hours a week, compared with one in eight two years ago.

The Work-Life Balance Trust say that 7 million work days are lost each year to British industry through stress-related illness.

"Stress is a major killer in this country and at least one in 10 British workers suffers serious work-related stress," said Lindsay Cook, chairman of the Work-Life Balance Trust.

"The Work-Life Balance Trust hopes to make enough impact for government, industry, employers and individuals to sit up and really think about work-life imbalance in this country and how we can change it for the better.

"Change is our aim, so that all people, both men and women, can 'get a life' for themselves, their families and for the nation as a whole."