Britons are cutting down on luxuries and working longer hours to provide for their loved-ones in the wake of the credit crunch, new research has shown.

A survey by Engage Mutual highlighted that disposable income is at its lowest in ten years but revealed that among couples who share their finances, 88 per cent would cut back on their own costs to allow their partner to continue their normal spending.

Karl Elliott, spokesman for Engage Mutual, said: "It is encouraging that rather than taking on further debt, people are prepared to work longer hours and cut back on spending in order to treat their partner."

Financial pressure can affect some relationships, he continued.

A recent study by financial advice website Fool.co.uk showed one in six Britons have lied about their borrowing and nearly a third pretend luxury items cost less than they actually did.

It revealed one in five people become so stressed over their finances, they say they "want to disappear".