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.

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

Email(Required)

OptOut

From time to time, we will send you emails about selected products, events and services from Personnel Today and OHW+ - but you can choose to opt-out at any time. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please tick this box.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

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