Men would be happier if they did more washing up.

They would also be happier if they had more time with their children, according to a new study based on 6,000 couples.

The study found that, on average, men spent just over 22 hours a week on domestic labour and 44 hours on paid work. 

For women the figures were 40 hours on domestic labour, 26 hours on paid work.

The researchers, whose report appears in the Journal of Happiness Studies, said: ‘Our results indicate men could experience increased life satisfaction if they spent more time on household responsibilities traditionally held by women – that is routine chores, and taking care of their own children.

‘Men may benefit from a more egalitarian division of labour within the household.’ 

Hands that do dishes: A new study has found that men who do the washing up and look after the children are more likely to be happier

The research, which appears in the Journal of Happiness Studies, found that men could experience increased life satisfaction if they spent more time on household responsibilities traditionally held by women