42% of employees want to quit

Workers in London are suffering an unprecedented crisis in their careers - with almost half dreaming of quitting their job in January. About 42 per cent of employees say they will use the festive break to consider changing jobs.

The most discontented are in the financial sector, with 51 per cent saying they would like to quit.

Worryingly for the Government, 31 per cent of teachers and 30 per cent of health workers also want to switch careers.

The survey of 1,000 people for i to i, a volunteer travel organisation, reflects the fact that British employees work the longest hours in Europe.

John Bangs, head of education at the National Union of Teachers, said: "The pressure on teachers has not been relieved despite numerous promises.

"In reality, teachers feel frustrated but are so committed to their pupils that they rarely leave in the numbers threatening to."

Phillip Hodson, a fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, said: "Work appears to be almost more hellish than it is. But bosses need to take note - one day workers will walk."