The annoying habits of colleagues are causing many workers in the UK to consider changing their jobs, it has been suggested.

According to research conducted by fish4jobs, 51 per cent of people questioned claimed that the disruptive behaviour exhibited by co-workers had been a factor in them considering seeking other employment.

Among the aggravating habits identified by staff was rudeness, undue noise and unpleasant smells.

Joe Slavin, fish4jobs chief executive, stated: "The research shows that UK workers are easily annoyed by their colleagues and the little things do seem to get on our nerves.

"However, it isn’t the minor issues that send workers running for the door, but larger problems that are only made worse by a colleague’s irritating behaviour."

Research published last month by Investors in People suggested that 43 per cent of workers questioned intend to quit their roles in favour of other employment within the next year.