27 per cent of employees plan to lie about illnesses to get the day off work this Friday, a survey reveals

“Sorry, won’t make it in today – must be something I ate.” It’s a common excuse phoned-in to workplaces across the UK, typically as the summer weather delivers scorching temperatures. However, some of the workforce seems to have an ulterior motive to have a sun day at their employer’s expense.

More than 2000 employees were asked over the bank holiday weekend if they would consider telling a few “white lies” to avoid a day at work this week. Of those questioned, 27 per cent said they would tell a lie to try and get an extra day off work this week – with Friday 1 June being the most likely day.

Jane Smith from Desk.co.uk, who conducted the survey, said, “When it’s hot, kids are off and it’s a short week people are more likely to lie to avoid a day in the hot office. Some people will attempt to work from home, but some simply won’t turn in at all and make up a lie.

“The challenge is for employers to decide what is right and wrong – yes, they want their staff in work, but they don’t want an office full of sick people. In the new world of working from home, many are seeing this as the best option – but we all know what it’s like trying to work from home – especially when it’s hot.”

Most likely fake sick days this year according to the survey:

• Friday 1 June – 27 per cent
• Tuesday 29 May – 11 per cent
• Wednesday 30 May – 9 per cent
• Thursday 31 May – 8 per cent

“It’ll be raining all summer won’t it, so I want to make the most of it. It’s so hot in work, so yes I have told a porky in the past and had the day off.” Robert, Birmingham

“I always find it hard to organise the kids, if I get stuck what I can do apart from use up my sick days – as long as I don’t go over, it’ll be fine.” Jo, Leeds

PeterboroughBusiness.co.uk has some advice for employers who discover their staff taking fake sick days: sack ’em.