Frantic lifestyles boost demand for consumer goods

Long
working hours are pushing up demand for a range of consumer goods – from fast
food to medication, new research claims.

People
increasingly claim they are so busy many do not have enough time to cook, see
the doctor, or enjoy a proper holiday.

The
convenience food sector, driven by "increasingly frantic lifestyles"
according to  a report from market
analysts Mintel, increased by 68 per cent 
between 1992 and 2002 calculated on a price index compared with the
overall food market that has risen by just 33 per cent.

People
are increasingly opting for self-medication or self-diagnosis rather than
visiting a doctor.

This
was indicated by the growth in sales of analgesics for pain relief which have
increased by 50 per cent in real terms between 1992 and 2002.

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However,
this year’s British Lifestyles survey, by Mintel, shows around 50 per cent of
adults are enjoying a good balance between work and home life.

By Quentin Reade