The ten worst excuses for pulling a sickie

Woman lying on bed looking unhappy with a text message
Woman lying on bed looking unhappy with a text message

We've all been there: the Monday morning after the great weekend when you really can't face work, and pulling a sickie feels like the only option.

According to a new survey from CV-Library, eight in ten people have done it during the last year: we're a nation of skivers, it seems.

See also: What are your rights at work when you're sick?



See also: The fake work excuses - that turn out to be true



The real reason, apparently, is usually that we're too tired, but 15% of workers say they simply couldn't be bothered, while 13% just have other plans. Finally, just under one in 10 have pulled a sickie because of a hangover.

Interestingly, though, we do have a bit of shame about lying, with more than half of people saying they feel guilty about leaving their colleagues in the lurch. Women seem to have the bigger consciences, with six in ten saying they feel bad.

""In today's working world it's clear that professionals are still taking unnecessary sick days, giving a whole host of excuses for not turning up to work," says founder and managing director of CV-Library Lee Biggins.

"But while it might seem like a good idea at the time, many workers are feeling the guilt, recognising that their decisions have a wider impact on their team and workload."

However, bosses generally seem accepting of workers who call in sick, with 86.1% saying their manager generally understands.

Says Biggins, "Whether you're in part-time work, or are well into your career, you're going to be more trusted by your employer if you're honest and open with them – you never know, they may grant you a bit of time out if you really do need it."

The ten worst excuses for calling in sick
1. "I have blisters from wearing new shoes on Saturday night."
2. "I've got a terrible migraine (also known as a hideous hangover)."
3. "My hamster is sick and needs to go to the vet."
4. "I left my work uniform on the bus."
5. "I lost a darts tournament last night and I am too traumatised to come in."
6. "A tree has fallen down onto my property and it needs to be cleared/made safe."
7. "My boyfriend changed his relationship status on Facebook to single."
8. "There are cows in my garden so I can't get to work."
9. "I didn't get to bed until late, so I'm too tired to come in."
10. "I'm having a BBQ at the weekend and need time to prepare."

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