Britons work long hours, compared with their European neighbours

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) found that 28% did not take a break because they were too busy at work.

The 2003 New Earnings Survey from the National Office of Statistics appeared to support the claim.

It showed that Britons worked some of the longest hours in Europe - about 40 hours a week.

The research also found that of those who had managed to book a break this winter, 41% had failed to secure their first choice because they had acted too late.

Two thirds (67%) of people in Scotland blamed working long hours and trying to cram too much in to their lives for their lack of holiday planning.

Despite a recent reduction in the average number of hours worked in the UK, full time workers still work the longest hours in Europe Nick Isles The Work Foundation

However, it seems that people north of the border have a little more time on their hands than workers throughout the UK.

According to the survey, the picture was even bleaker UK-wide, with a third of Britons not taking their full amount of annual leave this year and three quarters (78%) blaming long working hours.

Allan Hardie, from the RBS's Royalties Premier Account, said: "It is a sad state of affairs that simple lack of planning is resulting in so much unused annual leave, especially around this time of year when families want to spend time with their loved ones.

"Of course our lives are so busy and we live in a 24-hour society, but this means it's all the more important to make sure we use our holiday wisely."