Record Sick Leave Expected in the UK as Workers Take Advantage of Heatwave
UK set for record sickies as workers skive off on 35C 'Bunk Off Tuesday'
Image: Dailystar Co Uk
On May 26, dubbed 'Bunk Off Tuesday', around one million UK workers are expected to take sick leave to enjoy predicted temperatures of 35°C (95°F), costing businesses approximately £200 million. This trend is driven by a significant rise in absenteeism during heatwaves, as many employees prefer to enjoy the sun rather than work.
- 01An estimated one million workers are expected to call in sick on 'Bunk Off Tuesday', leading to a projected £200 million cost to businesses.
- 02The heatwave has caused absenteeism to rise by about 35%, according to data from BrightHR, which monitors 750,000 employees.
- 03Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR, noted a 32% increase in sick leave during the previous heatwave in September 2023.
- 04Research indicates that 70% of workers are tempted to take sick leave during hot weather to enjoy leisure activities.
- 05The UK recently recorded its hottest May temperature ever, reaching 33.5°C at Heathrow.
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On May 26, known as 'Bunk Off Tuesday', the UK is bracing for a significant rise in absenteeism as nearly one million workers are expected to take sick leave to enjoy the forecasted record temperatures of 35°C (95°F). This phenomenon is anticipated to cost businesses around £200 million due to the increased absenteeism, which is projected to rise by 35% according to data from BrightHR. Alan Price, the CEO of BrightHR, highlighted that sick leave surged by 32% during a previous heatwave in September 2023. Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) indicates that about 70% of workers feel tempted to call in sick during hot weather to enjoy leisure activities. The UK recently experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Heathrow recording its hottest May temperature at 33.5°C. The trend of increased sick leave during heatwaves not only affects productivity but also has financial implications for businesses, as they must manage workloads with fewer staff available.
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The anticipated absenteeism due to the heatwave will significantly affect business operations and productivity.
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