Record number of Brits to call in 'sick' on 'National Sickie Day' today

London, Feb 7 (ANI): A survey has revealed that a record number-375,000-of Brit office workers will phone in sick on the 'National Sickie Day'.

According to reports, their causes to join in range from post-Christmas blues, the flu outbreak and financial worries.

The first Monday in February is the day British workers are most likely to ring in sick with wintry weather, credit card bills and a long wait until the next holiday all contributing to the country's malaise.

According to business advisers ELAS, the cost to the economy in lost work and business opportunities, the cost of salaries and overtime payments, could be more than 32 million pounds.

"With morale at rock bottom thanks to nearly three years of working in a stuttering economy, and with the worst flu outbreak in a decade providing a handy alibi, we expect absenteeism to soar this winter," the Telegraph quoted Peter Mooney, head of consultancy at ELAS, as saying.

"Meanwhile, more and more bosses have drifted into accepting text messages and emails as confirmation that staff will not be heading into work - making it much easier for staff to get away with taking a duvet day," he added. (ANI)