WORKMEN have ditched the old greasy spoon and can now be more commonly found supping a latte or grabbing sushi.

And their working day is almost as long as a junior doctor's, a survey of tradesmen has found.

They spend just 27 minutes eating lunch and are 10 times more likely to grab a salad than a greasy fry-up, the study by Grime Boss Heavy Duty Hand Wipes found.

Coffee has overtaken tea as the workman's hot beverage of choice. While a quarter of those surveyed still prefer the traditional cuppa, almost half (47.4%) have said they prefer coffee to give them their kick, with one in six (18.2%) choosing a latte or cappuccino.

The survey of 1,000 tradesmen showed many waving goodbye to the greasy spoon cafe, with one in 10 now opting instead for a healthy salad or even sushi.

Less than 1% said they regularly ate a fry-up for lunch and just 3% choose fast food on a regular basis.

The poll indicated that the average tradesman downs 40,000 cups of tea or coffee over the course of their working lives. The first cup is typically consumed by 8.19am but four out of 10 now have their cups filled by 7am.

The poll also revealed that tradesmen are working harder than ever, keeping busy for an average of 46 hours and five minutes a week, above the UK average which stands at 42 hours and seven minutes.

One in five are now at work between 6am and 6.30am, typically not downing tools until 5.02pm. Four in 10 of those asked said they often work at night, spending up to an hour drawing up quotes and answering queries.

Andrew Freeman, commercial manager at Grime Boss, said: "The sight of a builder or plumber eating a huge fry-up for lunch is now as rare as the traditional builder's bum, or the sound of a wolf whistle to a passing female.''

© Press Association 2012