Nearly half of UK workers would turn down a dream job if it meant having to commute for more than 30 minutes, finds new research from job board Monster.co.uk.

But while 45% couldn’t bear the prospect of half an hour on the bus or in their car, 12% said they would cope with more than an hour and a half, the poll of 900 jobseekers found.

This is just below the number whose patience for sitting on a train is very much on the low side – 13% of workers said a 15-minute commute was too much for them to pursue their dreams.

Michael Gentle, head of consumer marketing at Monster.co.uk comments: “It is disheartening that the prospect of a long commute is discouraging many from pursuing their ideal job.

“If you find a role that ticks all the right boxes but isn’t local, there are ways you can make it easier for yourself. Long commutes are not always to be dreaded. Schemes like flexible working, season ticket loans and carpooling all make them more financially viable; so don’t let journey time stand in the way of better prospects.”