GETTY Swedish people have a reputation of being liberal when it comes to sex

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Earlier this year a poll found that a surprising number of people masturbate at work, with around 40 per cent admitting to popping to the bathroom to take a much-needed break from their desks. Now workers in a Swedish town, which is already known for its six-hour days and office fika breaks, could soon be offered a new way to burn off some steam.

In the latest bonkers craze to help boost productivity, Swedes could be given a one-hour paid break from work to go home and have sex with their partners, thanks to a councillor’s bizarre new proposal aimed at improving people's relationships. Though the original proposal of Per-Erik Muskos, a 42-year-old city councillor for the town of Övertorneå, was met by laughter in the Consistory, the councilman sees no reason his bill should not pass.

GETTY Swedes could be given a one-hour paid break from work to go home and have sex

He said: "There are studies that indicate the health benefits of sex. “I believe sex is a scarce commodity in many long-lasting relationships. Everyday life is stressful and there are children at home. “This could be an opportunity to enjoy some privacy.” Muskos thinks the measure would be positive for employees, especially for parents with small children because they could take advantage of school hours to share moments of intimacy.

GETTY The proposal was met by laughter in the Consistory

I believe sex is a scarce commodity in many long-lasting relationships. Per-Erik Muskos, Övertorneå city councillor

And along with enjoying some stress-relief during working hours, Mr Muskos also claims his proposal will help boost Sweden’s lagging birth rates - while also encouraging staff to work harder while at their desks. He added: "We must support the increase in birth rates. “Since sex is a great way to exercise with positive effects on well-being, the town could encourage employees to enjoy some free time to go home and have sexual relations.”

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But he admitted there was no way to verify that employees do not use their hour for other purposes than spending time with their partners or spouses, adding: “You can't guarantee that a worker doesn't go out for a walk instead.” Yet although Swedish people have a reputation of being liberal when it comes to sex, it appears that the reality is not as good. A survey carried out by the newspaper Aftonbladet indicated that couples are now having 24 per cent less sex than they were in 1996, something that worries the Minister of Health Gabriel Wikström. The 32-year-old, who confessed being satisfied with his sex life, shot to social media fame when a Twitter user asked him to ban "risky practices" after 10pm because of the noise his neighbours were making while having sex.

GETTY Muskos thinks the measure would be positive for employees