The average lunch break now lasts just 22 minutes - a third less than six years ago.

The research found that nearly one in five workers never leave their desk during lunchtime, despite warnings that being sat for eight hours a day kills as many people globally as smoking.

Fitness experts said lunchtimes were being squeezed by work pressures, with figures showing the average lunch break has fallen from an average of 33 minutes in 2012 to 22 minutes today.

The poll of more than 800 workers by not-for-profit health body ukactive and Sodexo, found most wanted to exercise more, but three quarters said their workload got in the way.

Just one in five reported cycling or walk to work, while three quarters said they did no physical activity during their lunch break.

And 77 per cent said corporate gym memberships would have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, while almost as many said shower facilities and compulsory lunch breaks would boot their health.

British people lose 18 days a year from consistently not taking their lunch break.

Workers reported reasons for missing their breaks included excessive workload, unexpected tasks and not enough variety of nearby dining options.