Poolside accessories mean Brits on holiday can no longer switch off

At a time when laptops and Blackberries are fast becoming poolside accessories and one in seven Britons admit to using them to keep in touch with their office while on holiday - one in four people will cancel a holiday this year because of severe pressures at work.

American Express Insurance Services can reveal that 67% of Brits who use portable technology consider it to be more of a hindrance than a help. One in 5 (19%) workers claim they are never able to switch off and 18 per cent of those who own a BlackBerry claimed it got in the way of their social life.

Further research by American Express Insurance Services has discovered that a significant number of Brits (42%) are already working more than 40 hours a week, and now there is evidence to suggest that their work is spilling over into holiday time. One in seven (15%) Britons also said that it fills them with dread to be contactable 24/7 and yet 82% of workers are using this portable technology as part of their daily working lives.

Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services commented: "The fact that workers are able to carry their emails and work around with them even when they're not in the office means that mobile technology is not necessarily saving time but in some cases it is extending the workload.

Before going on holiday, Brits should check their insurance policies to make certain their poolside gadgets are covered up to their maximum price, just in case they are ruined with a splash for instance our Annual Prestige policy covers up to £750 per single item.

We also provide special cover for business travellers on the go, which will ensure your laptop and equipment is protected as well as the travel costs of a colleague should they need to stand in for you at important functions or events."