The high-pressure world of the City is too much for workers with half suffering stress at work, a survey revealed today.

Docklands - where the major banks have headquarters - proves the most stressful place with 54 per cent feeling the pressure. In the City - the financial centre - 44 per cent are stressed.

In London's West End, home to media, advertising, publishing and surveying firms, just 28 per cent admitted stress, according to the poll by specialist recruitment agency Robert Half Financial Services Group.

The top ways to beat pressure were exercise (34 per cent) and socialising (24 per cent). In the Docklands, more workers (40%) prefer to socialise than exercise (23 per cent).

But last week, analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics showed that bonuses awarded to City high fliers have reached a record £19 billion.