A survey of UK workers in the construction industry carried out by household appliances retailer AppliancesDirect.co.uk revealed builders spend on average 130 hours annually taking tea breaks, 20.34 hours more than the average British worker who spend 109.66 hours annually making tea.

The research, which looked in to the building workplace eating and drinking habits, found that 82% of construction workers believe that regular tea breaks aid their productivity.

Respondents cited the optimum tea break time was six minutes, and they also believe they should happen on average five times per day outside of lunchtime – totalling 30 minutes per day.

Despite the rise of coffee culture, the data revealed that the builders brew was still the firm favourite, with 56% of those surveyed saying tea is their hot drink of choice during their break.

Coffee came in second place, with 38% of the vote.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at AppliancesDirect.co.uk, said: “The data revealed some interesting findings about the nation’s workplace break habits, especially the construction industry, and it’s great to see so many Britons are taking regular breaks throughout the day to grab a drink.

“Whether you work at a desk, in a shop or a factory, or on a building site, getting away from your workstation for a few minutes at regular intervals is likely to aid productivity as it allows you time to stretch your legs and gather your thoughts before heading back to it.

“It is especially beneficial for those who are working in such a physically demanding job as it allows them time to relax, laugh and catch-up on some well - deserved rest.”

Those who work in professional services spend the most time on tea breaks annually, racking up 141 brewing up hours, compared to those who work in Healthcare who spend the least - just 23.5 hours per year - on tea breaks.