The number of men in Britain earning less than their partner has doubled in the last five years - from one in 10 to one in five, a study by online bank Egg finds.

And this growing group has convinced themselves that a relaxing life is preferential to the rat race, with one in seven (15 per cent) not prepared to give up their life of luxury.

But the Egg study also shows that many women are completely willing to indulge their men and keep them in the manner to which they have become accustomed.

Over half of the woman surveyed (53 per cent) are happy to be the main earner, with one in five enjoying the fact that their financial status gives them more say on what they spend money on.

Alison Wright, Egg: "It is encouraging seeing how many women are now financially savvy and taking control of the household's finances."

The research shows that the life of a kept man is indeed a tempting one for those wanting to escape the office drudge.

Two-fifths (43 per cent) of these laid-back lads fill their days shopping for clothes at least once a week, while a third (29 per cent) meet friends for lunch.

Inevitably though, some ladies subsidising this languorous lads' lifestyle are unhappy with the situation, and the Egg findings reveal a backlash.

One fifth (21 per cent) of women would rather their male partners be the higher earner and one in seven (14 per cent) hanker after a life of leisure for themselves.

A further quarter (25 per cent) find their financial role highly stressful with a similar number (27 per cent) resenting being the main breadwinner.

Alison Wright, chief marketing officer at Egg, said: "It is encouraging seeing how many women are now financially savvy and taking control of the household's finances.

"There really has been a change over the last five years with some of the old stereotypes of who earns the money and who pays the bills being broken down.

"Whereas men have now fully appreciated that their female counterparts are capable of being the main breadwinners and as a result they seem to be embracing a life of leisure - much to the annoyance of most partners."

The article More men earn less than their partner originally appeared on 999 Today