Employees taking unofficial “long weekends” are costing UK business millions, according to new research.

A survey of more than 600 small and medium-sized businesses revealed the most common days for “sickies” were Monday and Friday.

Of the companies surveyed by the Employment Law Advisory Service (ELAS), 67% said Monday was the worst day of the week for sickness. A further 23% claimed that Friday was the most common day for absence.

“Everyone suffers from the Monday morning blues from time to time – but some people are taking this to extremes,” said ELAS head of personnel Pam Rogerson.