Public Servant Lifestyle

Thirteen million admit going to work ill, rather than go 'sick'.

Contrary to the myth that Britons fake illness in order to miss days off work, new research* from Benenden Healthcare can reveal that over the last three months more than 13 million people have admitted to going into work whilst ill.

In a three month period just over half (52%) of those surveyed admitted to being ill, yet only just over a fifth (23%) said that they took a day off as a result of feeling ill. Further more the research shows that out of those who did take a day off, 31% returned before they were feeling fully recovered.

Growing Pressure

Jakki Stubbington of Benenden Healthcare said: "With the pace of today's corporate life styles people feel under growing pressure to come into work whilst they are ill. Doing this can not only negatively impact upon the individual's health but also that of their colleagues who may fall ill after coming into contact with a sick person."

Those aged between 16-24 have taken the most days off with 33% missing at least one day through ill health whilst only 17% of 55-64 year olds admitted to doing the same, the least out of any age group.

Benenden offers membership to teachers and education workers, Post Office staff, civil servants, BT and local government authorities' employees, charity workers and their families. Membership costs just £1.10 per week†. Additionally, organisations operating in these areas can join Benenden's corporate plan and offer healthcare as a benefit to staff for just £57.20† per person, per year.

*TNS Global interviewed a representative sample of 1,006 adults between 9-11 February 2007.

†Increases to £1.25 per week and £65 per year from 1 July.

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