Scottish Widows has claimed its latest research shows that finance is the least discussed topic of conversation Brits have with their work colleagues (62%), and even with friends (43%).

Money related worries make up three of the top conversation killers (finances, salary, pension). Weight is another contentious issue, with 12% of people feeling comfortable to talk about this with their friends.

The survey suggest men are more open with their friends than women as they are more comfortable talking about their salary (29% vs. 26%) and relationship status (13% vs. 9%). However, women are more likely to confide in their family about every other aspect of their lives compared to their male counterparts except where they live and their salary.

When asked why finances are such a ‘secret subject’ 75% of people said it’s simply a topic that shouldn’t be discussed with their friends and work colleagues. 13% said their other half wouldn’t like them to communicate their financial situation to their friends

Catherine Stewart, savings spokesperson at Scottish Widows, said: “We are a nation who simply do not want to discuss our money worries