UK slogs around the clock

Britain is set to become an around-the-clock society as the number of people contributing to its night-time economy doubles in the next 15 years. A report by the Future Foundation thinktank, to be published tomorrow, suggests that by 2020 a quarter of the UK population - 13 million people - will be 'economically active' between the hours of 6pm and 9am, compared with just seven million now.

But while night hawks will rejoice at the news, experts warn that, as more people join the after-dark economy, stress levels will surge and family life will suffer.

The key to the rise of the 24-hour society is an increase in the average Briton's disposable income, leading to rapid growth in the leisure industry. The report predicts that:

· The amount of time the average Briton spends on leisure activities outside the home will increase by 31 per cent over the next 15 years. By 2020 people will spend 75 minutes a day eating out or going to the cinema, pubs and clubs, compared with 58 minutes now.

· There will be a 29 per cent increase in time spent shopping and travelling, up from an average 51 minutes a day to 66 minutes.

· Childcare will increase from an average of 51 minutes a day to 66 minutes.

· The average time spent eating at home will halve from just over 50 minutes now to 25 in 2020.

Eating and drinking continue to form the backbone of Britain's night-time economy and will become even more popular as the government relaxes licensing hours.

But household management, such as paying bills over the phone or banking online, is popular with 44 per cent of those who contribute to the night-time economy. Researchers found that between 4am and 9am call centres reported a surprising surge in customers.

The report, 'The Shape of Things to Come', commissioned by the credit card MINT, challenges the conventional view that the rise of a 24/7 culture is being driven simply by longer working hours.

Source: Tiscali News 12.09.04