The traditional lunch break is disappearing, with workers spending only 3.5 minutes a day eating their midday meal, according to new research.
While people used to take their break with a leisurely meal or stroll, they now spend their time shopping, making personal calls or checking their online bank account.
Of the 2,000 people polled, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) said they tried to cram as many activities into their lunch time as possible, with 32 per cent saying it was their only chance to do "essential jobs".
The survey found that the average lunch break is now split into at least seven activities ranging from shopping online, catching up with friends and family and sorting out personal finances.
The poll was commissioned by Dial-a-Phone Pay-As-You-Go, the mobile phone retailers.