PEOPLE in Bolton work longer hours than those in the rest of England.

In Bolton, 60.4 per cent of employed people work full-time hours of between 31 and 48 hours per week, compared to 57.6 per cent in the rest of England.

The figures, part of the 2011 census, also revealed Bolton has higher unemployment figures than the rest of the country.

They showed the town has 0.3 per cent more unemployed women than England, and 0.8 per cent more unemployed men.

More people are registered sick or disabled, with 5.4 per cent of women in Bolton, compared to 3.8 per cent in England, and 6.2 per cent of men in Bolton, compared to 4.3 per cent in England.

Figures for the number of unemployed 16 to 24-yearolds showed 1.2 per cent of women were unemployed in Bolton, compared to 0.9 per cent in England, and 1.9 per cent of men in Bolton, compared to 1.5 per cent.

The census also revealed the twon has fewer managers, directors and people in professional positions than nationally, but more people in sales, customer services and those who work as machine operatives.

More than a quarter of people in Bolton have no qualifications.

The census results show 26.3 per cent of the population does not have qualifications, compared to 22.5 per cent in England.

But the number of people achieving apprenticeships in Bolton was 0.7 per cent higher than in the rest of the country.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, a GP and Bolton CCG clinical director, said: “It is important to maintain a good worklife balance, but that is about more than just the number of hours a person works. Getting job satisfaction and feeling able to have an active and enjoyable life outside of work are just as important.

“Our health trainers, in GP surgeries, are available to talk to patients about making sure they fit keeping active and healthy into their working life.”

Horwich health and safety expert Sue Scott, director of Comply at Work, said: “There is an association between working long hours and fatigue, with evidence from studies also showing a link with increased accidents and ill-health, both physically and mentally in some individuals.

“This does seem to be cause for concern, particularly within the driving occupations and higher-risk industries.”

A council spokesman said: “Upskilling the population, including those in work is a priority.

The town centre Education Zone brings together Bolton Sixth Form College, Bolton College and the University of Bolton catering for about 30,000 learners.

“Maximising partnership working will also see Bolton’s long-term unemployment reduce over the next decade with a workforce skilled in sectors that are in demand.”