IT contractors have been reminded of the need to ensure they are achieving the correct work-life balance.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has warned IT contractors and other employees who work long hours that neglecting other areas of their life can have a negative impact on health.

Those normally working long hours should ensure they do not do so every day, while lunch breaks should always be taken - preferably including some light exercise and fresh air, Acas adds.

However, it is also up to employers to ensure that IT contractors or other employees working long hours are not taking on too much, says the head of good practice services at Acas Gill Trevelyan.

"Managers and supervisors should be trained so that they recognise the importance of their employees' wellbeing, the signs of stress and what to do about it," she added.

Ms Trevelyan's comments come in light of research published in the European Health Journal, which found that overtime hours were directly proportional to the risk of developing coronary heart disease.