ALMOST one in three Southampton people think that employees should be allowed to bring their pets to work, according to new figures.

In a survey carried out across the city, 31 per cent think they should be given the go-ahead to bring their pet with them to the office.

Fifty-seven per cent think that an office pet would positively affect office stress levels.

It comes as across the UK, thousands were surveyed about pets in the workplace, with more than half saying it had helped to relieve stress, and improve their enthusiasm for the job.

According to Animal Friends, an estimated 1.7 million British businesses have adopted a pet-friendly policy, however, new data has revealed that two-thirds of employees claim office dogs are bad for business.

In Southampton, 16 per cent believe office pets negatively affect stress and focus.

Pet insurance provider Animal Friends said that 16 per cent of offices that allow dogs, also employ someone who is allergic to animals.

Westley Pearson, managing director of the insurance company said: “Animal Friends is a team of animal lovers and nine out of ten staff members are pet owners themselves.

“As a company we have made provisions to help employees give their furry friends the top level of care, including bringing pets to work with them when necessary.

“There are a number of benefits to being able to bring pets to work with you, but it’s important that everyone in the office is happy with the decision and to be aware of others’ allergies, or reasons why it might be uncomfortable for those who aren’t as fond of dogs.

“In addition, if you take your pet to work, they may think they can nuzzle up with you at any time – even when you’re really busy, so you should be aware of that!”

Other city stats found that 33 per cent allow pets in the office and that 29 per cent of workers go home to check on their pet during the day.

More than one-in-ten use a webcam to check on their pet during the day and eight per cent changed job for their pet’s benefit.