A study carried out by Durham University has found that working flexible hours has a positive effect on workers' health and enables them to get more rest in bed each night.

According to the researchers at Wolfson Research Institute based at Durham University, “In our study, we found numerous benefits if individuals are allowed to have an input into their own working patterns”.

The results also showed that in the 16,000 people reviewed as part of the survey, no adverse effects were experienced.

Commenting on the results, a spokesman from the Trades Union Congress said, “Both personnel and management can experience the advantages of workforce mobility”.

"[Overworking] leads to stress, which can ruin the little time that overworked staffs do get to spend with their family," he remarked.

According to Dr. Clare Bambra, of the Wolfson Research Institute at Durham University, “Flexible working has a positive impact on health issues such as blood pressure, mental health and sleep”.

"These findings certainly give employers and employees something to think about. Being in control of how and when we work is good for us and has clear health benefits”, she added.

"Employees who are able to adapt their work schedules to fit in with their wider lives feel better".