One-third of Brits have pulled a 'sickie' this year

32% of Britons have pretended to be sick to miss a day off work this year, according to a new study.

The research, by Actimel, said the top reasons for feigning illness were workload (41% of women), a hangover (27% of men), and boredom (20% of men).

63% admitted to feeling guilty about pulling a sickie, but, despite these feelings of remorse, they still felt it was worth it.

Conversely, when employees are actually ill, they do go into the office (67%). Women are more likely to take more than a single day to re-cooperate (68%, compared to 60% for men), while 25 to 34 year olds take the most genuine sick days (72%).