TODAY has been named National Sickie Day as more people call in sick to work than any other day of the year.

Post-Christmas blues, miserable weather and growing economic gloom will prompt more people to stay at home, a Friends Provident survey revealed.

Some 30,000 staff missed work this time last year and the figure is set to soar today.

The study found that, compared to three years ago, nearly two thirds of the nation now feel more prone to illness, stress and feeling unhealthy.

Recession concerns mean that one in five people are sleeping less while more than a third are worrying more.

The report's authors warn this could potentially trigger anything from headaches to clinical depression, or stress-related illnesses.

The study found that 18 to 30-year-olds had the most unhealthy habits, with 51% regularly eating takeaway meals, 36% frequently buying ready meals and 35% drinking more than they should.

Mark Jones, of Friends Provident, said: "The UK's health is being affected by the credit crunch.

"People need to make more effort to protect and care for themselves, otherwise National Sickie Day could be the start of a long-term national health issue."

The report showed that addressing unhealthy lifestyles is low on the nation's list of priorities.

Almost half of us never or hardly ever exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week, while 33% rarely or never eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.