NEARLY half of workers will pull a sickie in December – despite not really being ill.
A poll of 2,000 employed adults revealed Christmas parties, festive season celebrations with friends and family and sporting events are some of the most common reasons for these unscheduled absences.
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Almost 50 per cent of workers admitting to pulling at least one sickie over the festive period because of them.
The most common ‘sick day’ is likely to be Christmas Eve as people look to gain some extra time to recover from festivities or prepare for the big day on the 25th.
The research was commissioned by Fireball, which has partnered with the Professional Darts Corporation to launch the Sick Note Service ahead of the sport’s World Championship beginning on December 15.
The service offers revellers the chance to secure specialised ‘sick notes’ from its top stars as the ultimate way to call in sick for work following a festive night of ‘going for the double’ at Ally Pally or other holiday festivities.
Read more on holiday health
Lorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for the shot brand said: “As holiday cheer fills the air, it’s no surprise that the festive period is littered with fake sickies for those who celebrate a bit too late or a bit too enthusiastically.
“With Christmas falling mid-week this year and with the festive period having lots of sporting events and social occasions taking place, it’s no surprise people are coming up with creative ways to get out of working – especially on that last day right before Christmas.
“After all, it seems the season of goodwill extends to giving yourself a little extra time to enjoy all the merriment stress-free.”
The research also found 80 per cent would call in themselves if they were trying to get out of work, and more than one in 20 (six per cent) would bottle it and get someone else to do it for them.
Of those who’d be brave enough to ring in themselves, 59 per cent would put on a special ‘sick voice’ to talk to their boss.
Fireball has released a video on its Instagram channel featuring top dartists as well as legendary David Brent impersonator Tim Oliver working at the Sick Note Service call centre.
Fans who visit Fireball can download one of four distinct notes letting their boss know they won’t be coming in to work the next day.
The whisky brand’s spokesperson added: “Fans won’t have to worry about putting on a show the morning after as we’re giving them license to have a fun night without having to worry about clocking in the next morning.
“Darts is a sport with a fanbase dedicated to fun and comradery, with a splash of mischief woven in, and we are here to support these dedicated fans all the way.”
