Scottish workers put in the longest hours in the UK, with more than one in five working more than 70 hours a week.
A study by the Royal Bank of Scotland reveals that the average Scottish professional works 59.3 hours per weeks. The figure has soared from just 52.5 just three years ago and is around four hours longer than the UK average.
Scots running agricultural and mining firms work the longest hours, with an average working week of 64.9 hours. Workers in the hospitality industry are working an average of 64.3 hours.
The survey also revealed that the average Scots boss spends about 19 hours a week worrying about work.
Scots who own retail outlets have seen the biggest increase in stress, with the number of hours lost rising from 11.5% in 2002 to 18.4% in 2005.
The study also found that Scots were driven by a desire to be their own boss, with only one in 10 saying money was their motivation.
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Steve Richards, head of RBS business marketing, said: “This confirms the prime motivator for the UK’s entrepreneurs is being their own boss and the clear sense of fulfilment this brings.
“However it also highlights the potential issue of long working hours and increased worry caused by the day-to-day running of a business.”
