Hospitality workers took the least number of sick days of any industry during 2007, according to the annual CBI/AXA Absence Survey, released today.

The survey - the most comprehensive study of sick leave in the UK - showed that workers in the “hotels, restaurants and tourism” category took an average of just four days off sick last year, compared with the average of 6.7 days.

In contrast, workers in health/social care services took 12.6 days off with police & probation services employees off for an average of 9.9 days.

Across all sectors, the CBI estimates that absence from work cost the UK economy £13.2b last year.

The survey also revealed that of the 172 million days lost to absence in 2007, more than one in 10 (12%) are thought to be non-genuine. 

Susan Anderson, CBI director of HR policy, said: “Everyone agrees that sick people need time off work. But employers face two serious and expensive challenges - dealing with bogus sick days, and helping those with long-term illness return to work when they are fit to do so.”

Hospitality and travel staff most likely to pull a sickie >> 

Absence management >> 

Long-term sick leave >>

Absent without leave >> 

By Daniel Thomas

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