Scientists tell us why we don't like Mondays

Researchers have discovered what we already knew – we don't like Mondays.

The closer people get to Monday mornings the blacker their mood becomes, according to a team from Essex University's Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Researchers spoke to 5,000 workers at the beginning and end of the week. Not surprisingly, those interviewed on Friday appeared considerably happier than those asked at the beginning of the week.

Dr Mark Taylor, who ran the study for the annual British Household Panel Survey, said: "Mondays are a bit of a drag ... Fridays are associated with higher job satisfaction among both men and women, while Sundays are associated with lower job satisfaction."

Dr Taylor said workers might benefit from more flexible working hours.

"The main determinant in being unhappy is working more hours than you want to. Increased flexibility and taking days off in the week may help," he said.