With all the usual commercial madness, it is hard to miss the fact it is St Valentine's Day on Sunday, and it seems employees need an excuse to get romantic following research that shows pressure in the workplace is having a strong impact on the nation's love lives.

According to a survey of 2,386 employees by Monster, 37% claim the stress brought on by their job spoils the time they spend with their partner.

Almost a quarter (23%) revealed that they feel they are expected to put their work-life ahead of their home life. A defiant 9% of workers, however, ensure that the strain of their job does not affect their relationship as they insist on putting their love lives ahead of their careers.