78 million days lost as nation signs off sick

SHOCKING figures last night exposed the true extent of "sicknote" Britain - with nearly one in 10 workers taking more than three weeks off ill in the past year.

These long-term sickies by two million workers accounted for 30 million lost days.

But the huge figure was just the tip of the iceberg, with a total of 78 million days lost to sickness and 13.9 million workers taking at least one day off due to illness.

All claimed to be genuinely ill as the epidemic of short-to-medium term absenteeism continued to spread among staff. But experts cast doubt on whether all sick claims are genuine and admitted that even doctors' notes explaining absences are "not helping" to cut down on sick leave. The figures from the Benenden Healthcare Society showed that sickly staff are happy to pull out of work if they are not feeling well. It revealed that women are more likely than men to take a genuine absence-54% took a day off compared to 46% men.

Young workers in the 16 to 24 age group are most likely to call in ill, with 68% having taken off at least one day. And those aged 25 - 34 are likely to be absent for longer, with 12% - or 890,000 - having taken off more than three weeks in the past 12 months. a total of 600 staff took part in the nationwide survey, which also revealed that workers in the North West are most prone to taking sick leave. About 12% - 345,000 people-took more than three weeks off in the north west compared to just 2% of Scottish workers. However, the Scots were more inclined towards shorter absences with 26% -nearly 600,000- taking between one and two days off. Last week the work and pensions minister called on GPs to cut back on sick notes in an attempt to strengthen the nations "work ethic". But Bosses last night admitted that the GPs are too busy to assess so called sick staff properly. Anthony Thompson, head of employment and pensions at the Confederation of British Industry, said: "GPs are hard-pressed dealing with busy waiting rooms and if someone comes in and says " my employer told me to come and get a sick note from you" they are not going to spend a great deal of time with them. "There's a perverse incentive not to spend time with this person so they will sign a note without much questioning."

Jakki Stubbington, of Benenden Healthcare, said: "Most workers will need to take sick leave at some time and in most cases it will only last a few days. However some employees are taking off far more time". Sick days have been estimated to cost the economy £12.2 billion a year in lost hours and contracts. But bosses are fighting back. Royal Mail offered its staff prizes, including new cars and holiday vouchers, if they complete six months without a sick day - and attendance has risen by 11 %

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