Thousands of women battling to cope with greater working hours on top of a hectic home schedule are risking their mental and physical health, according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

A new report by the CSP published to coincide with today's celebrations of International Women's Day shows that an increasing number of female employees are falling victim to Hurried Women Syndrome.

Physios say that juggling a spouse, children and friends as well as a boss can be damaging to health, with sufferers showing signs of chronic stress and exhaustion.

The survey found that employees in Bolton were under least pressure and had the shortest weekly working hours in the region.

But their counterparts in Bury faced the biggest threat to their health, working the longest hours in the region.

Full-time employees in Bury work an average of 38.4 hours a week, above the national average of 37.5 hours, and above the Bolton figure of 36.5 hours.

But women in both towns have an easier time than their counterparts in Havering, London, who manage a weekly average of 42.4 hours.

Ann Mayne, of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, said: "It is International Women's Day which celebrates the global economic, political and social achievements of women.

"Yet, for some women, achieving a proper work-life balance is difficult and problematic. If women are not careful, struggling to manage a busy work and home life can take its toll an their mental and physical health.

"Hurried women need to be able to spot the signs and take action.

"High stress and anxiety levels, mild depression, physical exhaustion, digestive disorders and low self-esteem are all indicators that something is not right."

Employees are being urged to sleep longer, exercise more, eat properly, and put themselves first whenever possible.

A petition signed by 10,000 Transport and General Workers Union workers calling for International Women's Day to be made a bank holiday was being handed to the Government today.