The media attention on diseases such as swine flu has led many offices in the UK to take drastic action to ensure germs are not passed around.

This comes as research conducted at the University of Arizona revealed that office desks can harbour 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.

Biocote said this has led to an increase in enquiries into anti-bacterial coatings from stationery producers.

Commercial director Graham Harvey said: "There is a risk of cross contamination and stationery that continuously reduces levels of bacteria can help reduce this risk."