London: Bosses live longer than their workers, new figures have revealed. Across the board, those working in routine and manual jobs are twice as likely to die early than their managers who supervise their work.

According to British Office for National Statistics, there were improvements in the mortality rates of all classes between 2001 and 2008. In terms of deaths, the gap between the most and least advantaged has narrowed slightly.

But when other factors are taken into account, the ONS said its figures show that the gap between managers and manual workers has widened. In 2001, a worker in a routine or manual job was twice as likely to die before 65 than his manager.

But, in 2008 that ratio had risen to 2.3 times as likely, the 'Daily Express' reported.

This is the first time Britain's new annual comparative death rates have been published. They confirm that the health gap between the least and most advantaged socio -economic groups remains high.

ONS head of analysis, Myer Glickman, was quoted as saying, "The figures give a much more up to date picture of health trends. They will be invaluable in monitoring social inequalities."

Added a spokesperson for Health and Safety Executive: "It's clear that the health and safety of workers in some industries is more at risk than in others. It's important that organisations take their responsibilities for the safety of their staff seriously."