Just under half of workers (42%) will be working over the festive period. These are the findings according to research by Fujitsu Siemens Computers who say that over 11.5 million British workers plan to check their work emails over the holiday season.

Almost half (48%) of the nation’s male workers will log in compared to 33% of female workers.

Regionally, workers in Greater London are the biggest email addicts, more than half the workers in the area will check work emails over Christmas. This compares to 35% in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Fujitsu Siemens Computers survey also found that nearly seven million of Britain’s Christmas e-mailers plan to make the process easier by using a mobile device, such as a PDA, laptop or internet phone to access work emails.

Forty-two per cent even say that mobile devices enable them to spend more quality time with their family over the festive period.

Garry Owen, Head of Product Marketing at Fujitsu Siemens Computers, said that new technologies made it easier for workers who have to continue over the holiday period to spend more time with their families.

“However, there is still some way to go and it is sad that so many will have to interrupt their family gatherings this Christmas to work. We would encourage employers to explore how they can help employees to limit time spent working during family times such as Christmas.”