Stressed Workers Throw A Sickie

If you're employed and reading this today, the chances are you're at home!  Apparently, seven out of ten of us are sneaking a day off today while pretending to be ill, because the first Monday in February is the optimum day for throwing a sickie.

Psychologists blame the spate of lies, fake coughs and 'food poisoning' on post-Christmas blues, the long months before the Summer holidays and the fact that we work longer than anyone else in Europe with fewer days off.  

Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at the University of Lancaster, explained it like this:

"We have the least holiday entitlement of any EU country and the difference is quite substantial. In addition, we work by far the longest hours. When you combine that with the fact that most jobs on the Continent are more secure, you can see that workers here are generally more stressed."

We are staggered that people would consider jeopardising their employment in this way in such difficult times but, if you really are looking to make a change and work or want to work in the drinks industry, at least use your time more profitably than watching Countdown and have a look at the chinchnjobs.com jobs board.  It could be the best day off you've ever had!