The 10 most common reasons given for pulling a sickie in Britain

While sick leave has traditionally been valued by some workers as respite from the daily grind, new research reveals that increasing numbers of British workers are spurning it.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found that "presenteeism", employees who turn up to work when sick, is on the increase in the UK.

While 71 per cent of people admit to having gone to work despite being too unwell for the job, here are the 10 most common reasons people give for pulling a "sickie".

1. Minor illnesses 30%

2. Musculoskeletal 20%

3. Stress, depression, anxiety 8%

4. Gastrintestinal 7%

5. Eye/ear/nose/mouth/dental 4%

6. Respiratory conditions 4%

7. Heart, blood pressure, circulation 3%

8. Genito-urinary 3%

9. Headaches and migraines 2%

10. Serious mental health problems 1%

Sources: CIPD, British Heart Foundation, ONS

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