Exercise important at work, expert says

The importance of doing exercise at work has been highlighted by an industry expert, who observed that this should reduce the chances of aches and pains.

Ergonomist at the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) Matt Birtles noted that, while this type of activity in the workplace will not be particularly strenuous, exercise should be taken "wherever possible … and at work is no exception".

He said that walking around "gives our body a break" and allows muscles to relax and promotes the free flow of blood, saying that "gentle stretches" while at the desk will also help.

Mr Birtles recommended that employees consider getting up to talk face-to-face with other members of staff, rather than emailing or making phone calls.

His comments come in response to a statement from the HSL, which said that bosses of accountancy jobs and others have been called upon by back pain experts to do more to look after their workforce, as the affliction is the UK's leading cause of disability.

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