The office romance is alive and well in the East of England, with around a fifth of people having met their partner through work.

The research by Totaljobs also found that two thirds (65%) of workers in the region had dated a colleague or would consider doing so.

But a third (34%) have completely ruled out a work relationship – with half (50%) saying it is because they do not think work and romance should mix.

The jobs site surveyed more than 5,500 people around the UK to assess the prevalence of workplace romances and get the public's views on them.

Some 20% of people polled in the East of England said they met their partner through work – more than through friends (19%), online dating (12%) or at a bar or nightclub (9%).

The survey also uncovered a 'culture of secrecy' around workplace relationships, with 80% of people in the East saying they have or would keep an office romance quiet.