33% of workers pulled a sickie this year.

New research from employment law consultancy Peninsula Ireland also reveals that 82% of Irish bosses have disciplined someone this year for doing it.

Most falsified sick days occur on a Monday, but on long weekends, there is a trend of workers pulling a sickie on the Friday.

Alan Price, managing director of Peninsula Ireland said today, “Workers pulling a sickie are stealing from their boss, it's as simple as that. Irish employers must check the circumstances and if it is seen that workers have falsified sickness then they must be disciplined. It's a problem that just never goes away, every business experiences the problem, some companies do not take action whilst others are quite strict.”

Price concludes, “Employees who falsify sickness should ask themselves why they do it. Are they unhappy at work? Are they bored? If this is the case then they should sit down with their manager and explain that they need a change, look at the job role and explore options with their employer. Life is too short and if you are not happy in your work then it may be time to look at alternative employment - however pulling a sickie does not help you, your colleagues or your employer.”

*NOTE - Peninsula Ireland questioned 383 workers and 572 bosses in person and by telephone.