British bosses would prefer to go for a run with staff after work than take them to the pub for a pint.

In another blow to the bar industry, a survey from Clubbz.com, a sport and hobbies website, found 40% of employers have set up an after-work sports club to socialise with staff without having to spend money on alcohol.

The poll of 396 employers found half of those who have after-work sports clubs set them up as a cost-saving motivation scheme, while 19% claim it is to help staff get fit.

Rob Yorke, co-founder of Clubbz.com, said: "Being a close-knit group, I am familiar with the idea of team bonding after work: drinking a few too many pints while watching the football and turning in with a sore head the next morning, discussing the evening's drunken antics and getting less than usual done in the way of work.

"It seems the Government's health messages regarding obesity are finally starting to hit home and many employers now have a duty of care to try and keep employees fit and healthy.