Forty Percent of UK Workers Take Fake Sick Days

LONDON, June 16, 2011 -

Forty percent of UK office workers have pretended to be sick at
least once during the last year, according to a recent survey by
office design company Maris Interiors. The most common excuses
given for missing work were cough/flu (24%), stomach upset (18%)
and minor injuries (7%).

Twelve percent of those questioned admitted to doing groundwork
prior to taking a sick day - by mentioning some fake symptoms the
day before. And we’re a lot lazier than our friends across the
pond: a similar survey conducted in 2008 in the States showed only
a third of US employees admit faking illness to miss work.

Of those who admitted pretending to be unwell; 82% think they
got away with it, and only 3% were found out as having faked their
illness or injury. No-one surveyed had managed to lose their job
for as a result.

Maris Interiors Chairman Michael Howard said, “We’ve always
known that some people fake the occasional sick day, but I’m
surprised the numbers were so high. I would definitely advise
fakers to text in their excuses rather than phone if they don’t
want to get caught: there’s a reason you work in an office not on
the stage!”

NOTES FOR EDITOR

1. Maris Interiors LLP is the UK’s leading specialist in workplace
   design and creation. The company design and create world class
   working environments for occupiers throughout the UK and
   continental Europe. Their team of experts have extensive and
   in-depth knowledge of how good design can substantially improve
   business performance, save substantial amounts of money and help
   retain and attract key people.

1. 287 office workers participated in the survey, conducted
   between 30^th May - 3^rd June 2011.

CONTACT

For further information or pictures please contact:

ADAM KAY
MBBS BSc COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

E    href="mailto:adam.kay@maris-interiors.co.uk">adam.kay@maris-interiors.co.uk

D    +44-(0)20-7902-1874
M   +44-(0)7788-165951

For further information or pictures please contact:

ADAM KAY
MBBS BSc COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

E adam.kay at maris-interiors.co.uk
D +44-(0)20-7902-1874
M +44-(0)7788-165951