Man works for 43 years - without a day off

LONDON - A Briton, who works as a surveyor for a local council, has been on the job for 43 years, but has never taken a single day off!

Jim Owen, 66, has turned up for work without fail since he started as a surveyor at the Basildon Council in Essex, back in 1968. He puts it down to “good genes and strong work ethic”, according to the Daily Mail.

Jim has two children and three grandchildren, but is still working full time at the town hall, and has no plans to retire.

“Of course there have been days when I’ve woken up and felt rough and could have done with a day in bed but I have always loved my job and I’ve never wanted to let my team down. It’s about making the effort,” he said.

“I suppose because my parents were of the war generation it was just instilled in me from a young age that you get up and go to work every day, no ifs or buts.”

“It also helps that I eat healthily, I don’t smoke and my job involves me getting outside in the fresh air a lot so it all adds up. Perhaps I’m just lucky and have good genes,” he said.

Jim started his working life when he was just a boy, delivering papers around Southend, Essex, where he grew up.

He began work at the council in 1968 as a surveyor, making his way up the ladder to managerial positions over the years. “I’m past retirement age now but I’m going to stay here as long as they’ll let me,” he said.

Chris White, executive director at the Council, said: “This is testament to the dedication and loyalty of our staff. Jim is a fine example of a committed and conscientious employee and he is an asset to the organisation.”