The end to late night sittings and the adoption of a more family friendly working regime has led to an increase in stress levels of MPs, it has been claimed.

According to research released by psychologists Dr Ashley Weinberg and Professor Cary Cooper, the number of MPs who believe their working hours damage their health and work performance has increased since the Commons reformed its working day.

Last year MPs backed moves to end late night sittings - with debates stopping at 7.00pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Whilst some MPs believe the new hours have reduced the pressures of work, many believe they now have to work harder to juggle commitments such as meetings with constituents, select committee sessions and work in the Commons chamber.

As part of the Commons modernisation, MPs also reformed the parliamentary year, reducing the length of the summer recess.

Following the changes, the study found a slight increase in levels of symptoms of stress.

MPs reported feeling less confident in their ability to make decisions in the workplace.

And almost half of the participants felt that the reforms had not made their job easier.

Support

Commenting on the findings, Dr Weinberg said on Saturday: "Given the relationship between psychological health and decision making, it is crucial that the politicians representing the people are properly supported by the House of Commons in carrying out their job.

"But changes to the working hours of the House of Commons do not appear to have adequately addressed the problems facing politicians in carrying out their job."

The researchers asked Westminster MPs to fill out questionnaires about their mental health, ability to make decisions and physical symptoms of stress.

Nearly 140 took part in the survey before the reform of MPs’ working hours were introduced - 64 did so again six months later once the hours overhaul had taken place.

'Self-selecting'

But Labour MP Joan Ruddock, a supporter of the new hours, questioned the significance of the findings.