The average British person wastes a staggering 40 days a year the Learning and Skills Council is claiming.
In a bid to counteract the perception that people don't have time to learn, the LSC surveyed 1,658 people to find that 80% admitted to some form of time wasting everyday. Around half claimed to waste two-to-three hours a day.
A third of respondents found this enforced “down-time” annoying and a similar number said they would prefer to spend the time learning new skills. Two-thirds of those surveyed (67%) thought gaining a new skill or qualification could help them to further their careers.
When it came to identifying the main causes of wasted time, the survey found that 42% of people blamed having to wait around for other people, other offenders included queuing, clearing up after others and having to hold on the phone.
Chris Banks, chairman of the LSC, said: "It's clear that people waste a lot of time, but it's also clear that people are willing to make better use of their time. If we all spent two and a half hours a day learning something new, we'd all benefit hugely.
"Modern learning comes in all shapes and sizes, and with flexible courses on offer there is something out there for everyone. There are also various funding options available to help you get on your way."
From these findings, TrainingZone is expecting a rush on Time Management training at the LSC website: www.lsc.gov.uk/inourhands.
