69,000 kids in UK bunk off school every day

London, Aug 26 (ANI): If a new report is to be believed, then around 69,000 children in the UK bunk off school everyday.

Because of this unauthorized absence, more than 3.7 million school days were lost in this year's spring term, reports the Sun.

The increase is partially blamed on more recession-hit families taking kids on holiday during school terms.

According to the Department of Education, an increase in illegal absence in primary schools has lifted up the absentee rate in England and Wales.

However, the number of kids taking leave has slightly fallen down in secondary schools.

And overall days lost at all schools, both authorized and unauthorized, also fell.

Around 1.4 million days were lost on holidays in the spring, the Schools Minister, Nick Gibb said.

"The level is still too high. It's crucial that children are not missing out on valuable lessons that could leave them vulnerable to falling behind. We are putting in place a series of measures to raise standards," he added. (ANI)