According to a recent study, it is the so-called “laziest” area in Britain, where locals are said to work the fewest hours per week.

The research, conducted by Journo Research in collaboration with global fintech group Plus500, analyzed data from the Office for National Statistics to uncover patterns in working hours across the country.

Merthyr Tydfil, a town in South Wales, came bottom of the list.

On average, employees in the region work only 36.7 paid hours per week.

This figure is well below the national average and much lower than in the UK’s most unemployed regions, such as Mid Suffolk, where workers work an average of 41.8 hours per week.

Historically known for its industrial roots in coal mining and iron production, the city has experienced significant economic changes over the years.

The decline of traditional industries in Merthyr Tydfil is accompanied by higher unemployment rates and a trend towards part-time and lower-paid jobs, which may contribute to the reductions in working hours identified in the study.

In contrast, average working hours in the top areas, including Mid Suffolk, Fenland and South Holland, are well over 40 hours per week.

Local authorities in Merthyr Tydfil and similar areas are focusing on revitalizing the local economy through various initiatives.

This includes attracting new businesses, investing in education and vocational training, and improving infrastructure to create more full-time employment opportunities.

Merthyr Tydfil Council has launched several schemes to boost employment, including partnerships with local colleges to provide vocational training and apprenticeships in emerging sectors.

These efforts are intended to gradually increase the average working hours in the region, which can help close the gap with more economically dynamic regions.