A nation of moaners

Grumpy Britons are among the most demanding shoppers in Europe.
We are second only to the Italians when complaining about customer service - with more than half of us insisting our problems are sorted out on the spot.

In a survey, more than a third of Britons said they lost their temper or slammed the phone down when frustrated by call centre staff or left hanging in telephonic limbo.

Four in ten further vented their anger by writing to complain about shoddy service. More than a quarter have stormed out of a shop and 16 per cent have complained by e-mail.

However, the National Consumer Council said Britain becoming a nation of whingers was a good thing.

Spokeswoman Janice Allen added: 'Shops and services are more likely to change for the better if they know what they are doing wrong.

'If companies pay attention, complaining can be a positive force.'

Utility companies and mobile phone operators were the worst offenders, the study by Dimension Data revealed.

People were most satisfied with the service at banks, although more than half said they would go to their branch to check their balance rather than bank online or by phone.

The French are least bothered about good manners, researchers found, with only 20 per cent believing politeness is important.

Swedes are most mild-mannered. Nearly half have never stormed out of a shop, lost their temper with staff or written to complain.