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Bosses are braced for a huge increase in absenteeism today as workers are set to be hit by poor weather, post-Christmas and pre-summer blues
The first Monday in February has been dubbed National Sickie Day by some commentators, with surveys suggesting that over 300,000 workers will call in sick, costing the economy millions of pounds.

Peter Mooney, spokesman for Employersafe, which monitors staff absenteeism, said: "It is a well-known fact in the business world that the first Monday of February is deemed the worst in terms of absenteeism.

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Monitoring staff

"We now advise our clients to keep a particularly close eye on staff taking this day off. Psychologists claim National Sickie Day is the result of a combination of factors, including bad weather, long dark nights and the seemingly never-ending wait until summer.

"Although many people will be swinging the lead, employers must also acknowledge that many people are also off work with genuine ailments, such as colds and flu at this time of year. That is why it is important to monitor staff absenteeism to work out who is genuine and who is faking it.''

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber commented: "Like other 'well-known facts' this one is completely lacking in any corroboration. Of course sickness absence is higher at this time of year, there is more cold and flu around. However, higher sickness rates do not mean more sickies.''

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