Lawyers are turning their backs on long holidays on the beach or ski slopes in favour of more frequent short breaks and weekends away, although many find it difficult to switch off from work completely, research has suggested.

The survey of 500 professionals by headhunters Charles Fellows Resourcing - which included 300 lawyers - showed that budget airlines had persuaded people to stagger their holiday entitlement, so that 50% now take more than one break each year.

Almost a quarter said they travel abroad at least three times annually.

Some 73% chose to visit Italy and France for a break, although Portugal and Spain were also favourites for long weekends, with 16% saying they planned a visit this year.

However, more than one-third took laptop computers with them, and more than half took work-related calls on their mobile telephones.

Charles Fellows managing director Tony Tomkins said there had been a 'seismic shift' in the way lawyers viewed their leisure time owing to low-cost flights and more emphasis on relaxation.

'People also enjoy looking forward to six or seven short breaks rather than one mammoth holiday,' he added.

Paula Rohan