These are the least stressed workers in the UK, according to Axa

Myth-busting research released today has found that self-employed people are the least stressed workers in the country.

Research by Axa Insurance has found that those working for themselves have a better work-life balance and more improved well being than others.

The research pinpointed other myths, including that self-employment is more precarious, less well-paid, and is only embarked upon by workaholics.

Read more: Was the tribunal right to rule that Uber drivers are not self-employed?

Although a half of those surveyed said they worry about the stability of their businesses, in the wider population, this proportion rose to two-thirds. And, respondents earned an average £33,000, or £6,000 more than an average employee.

Axa also found just 22 per cent of the self-employed feel they have overly-long hours to work, half of those in regular employment. The catch, however, is that the majority of business owners field calls and emails from clients outside of work hours, and feel they need to be “always on”.

Gareth Howell, managing director at Axa Direct, said: “We have the stereotype of the adrenalin driven entrepreneur and assume that being your own boss is always stressful.

“Looking at our index, self-employed people do indeed appear stressed, but that’s only before you compare them to everyone else. This is a fascinating bit of insight: does life just get less stressful when you’re self-employed, or do you simply become more resilient?”