EMPLOYERS are being urged to give their staff an extended lunch hour, free drinks or yoga classes to help them cope.

But in Swindon two of the town's largest employers say they already lay on extras to keep workers' spirits up.

Staff at Nationwide have a choice of pilates, stretch and tone, aerobiking or circuit training classes while those in search of a more relaxing lift can visit the on-site hairdresser. A chiropractor and osteopath also visit each Monday.

"We have got lots of things going on to banish the winter blues," a spokeswoman said.

And at Intel staff are also offered extras to cheer them up.

Rose Carrigan, head of human resources, said: "We offer a range of alternative therapies on site massage, reiki, aromatherapy as a few examples as well as lunch time and after work classes in pilates, tai chi and yoga.

"We also have corporate membership at a nearby fitness centre. And if that is too active, there is always the shopping bus into town for some welcome retail therapy."

Academics calculated yesterday as Blue Monday as workers realise the festive season is a distant memory and they must wait weeks or months for their next holiday.

Recruitment firm totaljobs.com said a combination of poor weather, lack of motivation, personal debt and failure to stick to New Year resolutions were likely to overwhelm workers.