In a poll of over 1,400 small businesses across the country – PremierLine Direct (www.premierlinedirect.com) found that a staggering 46% of publicans are working over 70 hours per week, with 43% of hoteliers and 15% of restaurateurs doing the same.

The findings come after the government released its figures showing that total working hours in Britain increased again for the first quarter of this year by 6.5million, with total working hours now standing at a staggering 900 million per week.

Barrie Wells, Chairman at PremierLine, warned, "Small business owners – particularly in the hospitality sector – need to be aware of the implications of this sudden trend of long hours. Issues such as health and safety – in particular the hours put in by all staff – are high on the employment agenda.

"Over-working can have a knock on effect and employers need to think long term to prevent issues such as long-term illness or stress."

The survey also found that almost 30% of hoteliers and publicans take less than 10 days annual leave, with 13% of restaurateurs taking less than five days holiday a year.

Results also indicated that the main worry for entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector is legislation, with 34% of publicans worrying over it the most.

Mr Wells concluded, "These figures demonstrate the pressure on small business owners and their increasing commitment to their businesses. What this adds up to is a very tough lot for the majority of small owner-managed businesses in this country. They are embattled by legislation, they suffer losses through crime and they don't feel the Government is doing enough to remove red tape."

Notes

PremierLine is the UK's first direct commercial insurance specialist. The Lancaster-based company is the brainchild of managing director Barrie Wells, founder of AXA Direct – formerly Prospero Direct. He is also a non-executive director of Marks and Spencer Financial Services.

PremierLine has already recruited more than 12,000 policy holders amongst small manufacturers, shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels during its first year in operation.