Hungry hard workers have dismissed as nonsense a survey which says North Yorkshire employees go without grub at lunch times.

Evening Press sub-editor John Henry refuels at his desk, a practice which is encouraged by many employers in North Yorkshire Picture: Steven Bradhsaw

The adage "lunch is for wimps", made famous by Del Boy in the hit BBC series Only Fools and Horses, would suggest that region's workers are positive weaklings.

For food is king at the likes of Nestl, new firm Card Protection Plan Ltd (CPP) and the City of York Council. The organisations actively encourage their staff to refuel during their working day, and Nestl is even installing new catering facilities because demand is so high.

The evidence goes against a study by bread makers Nimble, which states that North Yorkshire folk are the least likely of the nation's workers to have lunch - with 30 per cent of those asked revealing that they never take a mid-day break.

Nimble say the days of long, boozy lunch breaks are over. For those in the region who do manage to escape their desks, the respite is all too brief, with 39 per cent of people snatching a break of less than 30 minutes. But even for workers at the Nestl chocolate factory - where snacks are constantly under their noses - it seems lunch is essential to keep them working at their best.

Spokesman Paul Kirkwood said demand for mid-day food was high, with two new snack bars being opened recently, in addition to the existing canteen.

He added: "There's no evidence here that people are skipping lunch. In fact, within the last month we have opened two new sandwich shops in the factory.

"The company attaches a lot of importance to people being able to eat in the middle of the day. We have a good staff canteen as well. The trend goes the other way to this survey."

Nick Harris, research manager at CPP, agreed: "Although we have to provide 24-hour cover and work shifts, we have a very well-equipped rest room with lots of freshly-made food, which we offer on an "honesty box" basis.

"We encourage people to take time off for eating. We are dealing with customers all the time and the last thing we need is our workers feeling hungry and testy. We like to keep them well-fuelled."

City of York Council's spokesman was out at lunch when approached for a comment. But later he said: "Under the council flexi-time scheme staff are obliged to take at least half-an-hour each day for lunch and can take up to two hours. We certainly do not consider that lunch is for wimps, but actually regard it as a very positive opportunity for a break and good for both body and soul - although we do not give advice on what people should actually eat!"

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