New research claims to have found UK's 'laziest' town where locals 'work the least hours'

A recent study has found the UK’s so-called ‘laziest’ area, where locals reportedly work the least hours per week.

The research, conducted by Journo Research in collaboration with global fintech group Plus500, analysed data from the Office for National Statistics to uncover patterns in working hours across the country.

Merthyr Tydfil, a town in South Wales, has come out at the bottom of the list.

Employees in the area work an average of just 36.7 paid hours per week.

This figure is notably lower than the national average and significantly less than that of the UK’s hardest-working areas, such as Mid Suffolk, where employees work an average of 41.8 hours per week.

The town, historically known for its industrial roots in coal mining and iron production, has undergone significant economic shifts over the years.

The decline of traditional industries has left Merthyr Tydfil grappling with higher unemployment rates and a shift towards part-time and lower-paid jobs, which may contribute to the reduced working hours observed in the study.

In contrast, the top-ranking areas, including Mid Suffolk, Fenland, and South Holland, show average working hours well above 40 per week.

Local authorities in Merthyr Tydfil and similar areas are focusing on revitalising the local economy through various initiatives.

These include attracting new businesses, investing in education and skills training, and improving infrastructure to create more full-time employment opportunities.

Merthyr Tydfil Council has launched several programs aimed at boosting employment, including partnerships with local colleges to provide vocational training and apprenticeships in emerging industries.

The hope is that these efforts will gradually increase the average working hours in the area, helping to close the gap with more economically vibrant regions.