Hairdressers are head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to being happy in the workplace.

Overall, the survey by the City & Guilds showed that vocational workers are far more likely than their white-collar counterparts to go to work with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

Forty per cent of hairdressers claim to be extremely happy in their job, and other happy vocational workers include chefs, beauticians and plumbers who are in third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

For those workers who take the academic route, dog collars rather than white collars, bring the most satisfaction - almost a quarter of clergy (24 per cent) are very happy with their jobs. At the other end of the league table civil servants, estate agents and architects are not so happy.

The survey found that Britain’s workers are a pretty happy bunch and are more content than they were a year ago - 77 per cent of both vocational and white-collar workers find their jobs rewarding, compared to 74 per cent (vocational) and 68 per cent (white collar) in 2004.

Chris Humphries, director general of City & Guilds, says the happiness index is hard and fast proof that a vocational career can be highly satisfying and rewarding "Nowadays true job satisfaction and happiness is about fulfilling your full potential, tapping into your own creativity and feeling that you can make a difference," he said.

"More people than ever are swapping their desk-bound jobs for a vocation that enables them to be hands-on, use their brains and be in charge of their own destiny. As we spend so much time at work, it’s important that we enjoy what we do and build on the skills that we’re good at."

As well as a healthy pay packet, vocational workers have got a lot to be happy about - 70 per cent of them feel appreciated at work, compared to 63 per cent of white-collar workers.

Fulfilling their ambition is a major bonus for more than half (55 per cent) of tradespeople. They also like feeling respected (62 per cent) and learning new things (58 per cent). Camaraderie is also higher, with almost half of vocational workers (49 per cent) reporting that they have a good social life at work, compared to 40 per cent of white-collar workers.

The article UK hairdressers happiest in their work originally appeared on 999 Today