A survey has found more than half of inspectors in Police Scotland are working longer than the maximum number of hours.

The figures, from a Scottish Police Federation (SPF) report, have led to the Scottish Liberal Democrats claiming the force is "being squeezed until the pips squeak."

The "Time for Justice" survey also found 90% of inspectors said they were working hours which were not formally recorded.

It found 58% were working more than the 48 hours per week limit, a figure 10% higher than in 2011.

It also found 68% said they "almost never" took a rest break while at work and many felt they had to work while they were sick.

The report said: "There is an underlying macho culture that creates pride in 'never being sick' but there is also an expectation of a punitive management response to what is often perceived as 'personal weakness' (sickness absence, request for help, admission of overworking) and that reporting any weakness on their part will destroy future career prospects."

The SPF report featured comments from one inspector, who said: "The demands on front line officers are incredible and although lip-service is paid to it by senior management, I do not believe that they fully understand.

"There are usually two inspectors covering the division on any given shift, however, if one is off (annual leave) or sick then you are covering yourself and on a busy back shift you could potentially have in excess of 130 calls to oversee across the division."

It set out a series of recommendations for managing inspectors' workloads including a new system for accurately recording working times.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: "It is not just rank and file officers who are working under enormous pressure.

"Officers at every level of the force are being squeezed until the pips squeak. We know that morale is low among officers and civilian staff and this report shows why. No-one should feel compelled to work when they are not well for fear that a day off will hurt their career.

"The new chief constable has an enormous job to do to ensure that officers are getting the support they need. This extends to Inspectors every bit as much as constables on the beat."

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "The role of the Inspecting ranks is key to the organisation in delivering local policing services and supporting specialist roles. They, alongside all our officers and staff, show invaluable commitment to their work. There are systems in place to allow officers and staff to record the number of hours worked and we would encourage all staff to do so.

"We value the contribution all our police officers and staff make on a daily basis, often under very demanding and challenging circumstances and there is support to help them deal with those challenges.

"We are aware of the issues raised in the review and continue to work with our staff associations to take that forward in a positive way."