TACKLING the problem of absenteeism can be a minefield for companies says the managing partner of a Colchester firm.

Bryan Johnston, of GoodyBurrett solicitors in Colchester says: “Absenteeism can be a problem for many companies with a staggering 131 million days of sickness taken by the UK workforce each year.

“Many people do not realise that taking a ‘sickie’ for reasons other than illness is likely to breach their employment contracts.” Around 350,000 are expected to have done just that on the first Monday of February which has been referred to in recent years as National Sickie Day as a result.

After sickness the most common reasons for a sick day are cited as the weather, job interviews and a hangover after the end of dry January.

Mr Johnston added the first week in February sees nearly a fifth more job interviews conducted than any other week in the year and many of the sick days are to allow people to attend them. He says: “Legally, employees are entitled to take time off legitimately to go for an interview and, of course, to take other leave.

“We would recommend booking time off if you need a day of rest and recuperation or would rather keep an interview secret.

“Who wants to employ someone who lied to their last employers?”

One of the GoodyBurrett team, which offers legal support to businesses and individuals, even took to the streets of Colchester to ask local people reasons for their last “sick” day with some even admitting it was because their dog was ill, they lost their keys, it was Friday or their mum had not washed their trousers, says Mr Johnston.

Figures show those who are self-employed are less likely to take sick days and 131 million days were lost in 2013 due to sickness absences.