Today is the most common day of the year to ring in sick to work.

The first Monday of February traditionally sees a spike in the number of employees phoning in sick.

The most popular excuse to skive off was to avoid battling through cold and miserable weather.

Next was not feeling very well from a cold or tiredness - and third was a hangover after the end of dry January.

Other reasons for staying home include the need for a 'lie-in', and due to feeling over-worked or stressed.

It is also believed many of those absent will use the day to attend a job interview - motivated by dissatisfaction with their current post, and new year's resolutions to climb the corporate ladder.

But some of the more 'out there' reasons include: "I've locked myself in the bathroom" and "I thought it was a bank holiday."

You wish.