A Swedish politician has come up with a novel and, no doubt popular, idea to boost productivity and wellbeing in his home town by suggesting a paid, hour-long sex break for local workers.

Per-Erik Muskos, a councillor in the town of Övertorneå, in far northern Sweden, this week suggested offering the municipality’s 550 employees subsidised sex.

“There are studies that show sex is healthy,” Mr Muskos told agency AFP.

Mr Muskos asserted couples did not spend enough time with each other, and that while he couldn’t guarantee employees would use the break for its intended purpose, the motion had a good chance of being ratified by the local council.

He told fellow councillors that his idea would not only boost flagging birth rates, but add some romance to marriages and boost employee morale.

“Sex is also a great form of exercise and has documented positive effects on well-being,” Mr Muskos said.

“We should encourage procreation. I believe that sex is often in short supply. Everyday life is stressful and the children are at home.

“This could be an opportunity for couples to have their own time, only for each other.”

While his proposal made global headlines, it has met with a mixed response at home, with some suggesting it could lead to single workers spending the time on dating app Tinder trying to secure dates for a weekly hook-up. Others — perhaps predictably in a country known for its sexual enlightenment — took it in their stride, the New York Times reported.

The suggestion adds to Sweden’s reputation as a nation with generous workplace conditions, parental leave and healthcare, and the country which spends the third-least amount of time working per year, after Finland and France.

It is also known for its treasured tradition of fika, a break for coffee and cake, considered sacred by many in the Scandinavian country.

The motion is expected to be voted on within the next two months and would need a simple majority to pass the council.