Three quarters of Brits are suffering from chronic health problems due to the workplace according to research released today.

Around 77% of workers complain of eye fatigue, 71% have backaches and 67% suffer with headaches because they spend too long at their computers without taking regular breaks.

And it is the younger generation who are suffering the most. 80% of 16 to 24-year-olds suffer from eye fatigue and even more complain of backaches according to the research of 1,500 office workers for ViewSonic.

The rise in work based health problems is attributed to the amount of time people spend chained to their desks.

Nearly half the country's office workers spend over six hours a day in front of their computers and less than half take regular breaks.

A third of workers say it is management or peer pressure that prevents them taking 'ergo' breaks.

Almost half of workers say they've been offered no advice on the best desktop layout or ergonomics best practice in the last 12 months.

Firms must start to take the initiative if they want to avoid costly pay outs, especially when it comes to taking care of their younger employees

Costly pay outs

• Staff aged between 16 and 24 claim they work far longer screen hours than older employees and 67% say they are prevented from taking regular breaks.
• The result is more than two thirds of young workers would consider suing their employers if they developed a long-term illness or disability because of poor working conditions.

However, employers are not entirely to blame.

The research reveals that although three quarters of staff might be worried about health in the workplace, only a fifth will confront their managers and alert them to the fact they need a better desk, screen or chair.