Florists and gardeners are among the happiest workers, while those working in finance and banking are among the least content, according to a new UK survey.

City and Guilds has released its Career Happiness Index 2012, which offers broad insights into what people in the UK consider to be the most important factors contributing to their happiness at work.

Of the 2,200 workers surveyed, gardeners and florists topped the list of happiest workers, followed by hairdressers and plumbers. Meanwhile, bankers, IT professionals and HR workers are the least happy.

The vocational awards body says the Career Happiness Index shows that people in vocationally-trained and skills-based jobs, such as hairdressers, gardeners, plumbers and electricians, were happiest - 65pc compared to 58pc of those in largely academically trained, office-based jobs.

Norwich florist Ali Calver said creating the flowers for weddings in particular was a very satisfying part of her job, but the early mornings and cold working conditions to keep the flowers fresh were not for everyone.

The 27-year-old trained on City and Guilds courses at Easton College and is now in-house florist for the Assembly House in Norwich.

Mrs Calver, who will be taking part in the EDP Wedding Show at the Assembly House on Sunday, said: 'It's a fun and exciting profession but sometimes it can be quite hard work and you wouldn't do it if you didn't really love doing it.

'You do something that you can take such a pride in, you use all your skills and what you create is quite unique to you, as all florists have quite a distinct style.

'I think we are a happy profession - I know I certainly am.'

The City and Guilds report also looks at employment status and personal circumstances in order to understand how these can affect a person's well-being and satisfaction levels at work.

It showed that self-employed people are overwhelmingly happier at work (85c) and 68pc of those in vocationally-trained, skills-based jobs said they were proud of their work, compared to 62pc of those in academically-trained, office-based jobs.

Nick Bradley, group director at City & Guilds, said: 'It's particularly interesting to see that those who have taken the vocational route are happiest and feel the most pride in their work; there's certainly something to be said from learning specific skills and working your way up the career ladder.'

What job do you do and are you happy in your work? Do you think people in vocational careers are happier than those in academically-trained, office-based jobs? Add your thoughts and comments below.