SEASON OF SICKIES: 22 million workers will call in sick SIX times this winter

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22 million workers will pull a sickie six times thin winter

A new study found that 70 per cent of workers may call in sick at least six times in winter despite feeling well enough to work, compared to just 10 per cent in the summer.

With the average UK annual wage working out at £101 per day the lost days cost bosses £606 per employee and the country as a whole £13.7bn.

The survey of 2,000 workers, commissioned by tool supplier HSS Hire, asked if they intend to ring in sick over Christmas, the New Year and the following two months.

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It found that the cold, dark winter left people only feeling properly awake and ready to work at 9.33am – compared to 7.55am in summer.

Four in ten confessed they do not want to leave the house for cold commute and would rather stay curled up in bed.

Productivity also takes a major downturn during the winter with a quarter of Britons revealing their office is simply too unheated and cold to work in.

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Seasonal illnesses such as coughs, colds and runny noses will keep workers away from the office

The conditions were seen as a major de-motivational factor with 5 per cent of office workers also saying their keyboard skills slow down as they have to resort to wearing gloves at their desk.

The weather is our number one excuse for calling in sick or being late for work

HSS Hire spokesperson

Extra hot-drink breaks and warm-up moments also contribute to reduced productivity numbers both for indoors and outdoors workers.

For those that do turn up for work, one in four are over 20 minutes late.

The weather affects our morning commute too with 45 per cent having to take different routes or drive more slowly due to icy roads.

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The loss of work time costs bosses an average of £606 per employee

A spokesperson for HSS Hire, said: “Britons love talking about the weather.

“At this time of year when we are playing the blame game, the weather is our number one excuse for calling in sick or being late for work.

“The findings also highlight the impact of winter weather on our mood as we find it much harder to get ready for the working day.

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Productivity is reported to suffer during the winter with the weather being one reason

“That’s because cold conditions generally – be it a more challenging commute or hostile working environment – are a great cause of demotivation all around.

“This demotivation is costing UK employers a staggering amount of money each year.

“Perhaps now businesses will be wondering what they can do to boost productivity amongst their teams and ensure their employees are warm at work.”