More than eight in 10 employees in the South West would like to spend more time with friends and family in 2004, according to a new survey.

The survey by the Department of Trade and Industry's Work-Life Balance campaign asked employees in the region what activity they would most like to pursue if they could balance their work and life more effectively.

It found that 85 per cent of employees would do more with their nearest and dearest, two thirds (67 per cent) said they would like to pursue their interest in the arts, whilst nearly half (48 per cent) would like to play more sport.

Of 2,011 questioned, more than two in ten (22 per cent) adults in the South West feel that they are still spending too much time at work, at the expense of other commitments.

However, many workers appear to have already made lifestyle changes, as four in ten (41 per cent) have changed their working hours to fit in with their commitments and interests outside work.

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