Workplace stress is set to cost UK businesses more than 673 million this year, equating to 13.5 million stress-related sick days.

A poll of 2,013 employees by insurance firm RSA found 71% had experienced an increase in the stress levels and 20% think they are more likely to have an accident at work as a result. This rises to 35% in the manufacturing sector.

London workers are most stressed, with 87% reporting an increase in pressure, followed by staff in the Midands (80%). Employees in the North of England are least stressed (57%).

Phil Bell, group casualty director at RSA, said: "Employers have to take stress, long hours and the likely increase in workplace injuries seriously. All employers have a duty of care to their staff. Good employers recognise this and are taking steps to address this."