Staff taking sickies are costing bosses in printing and construction industries the most money, according to a survey published today.

www.costofabsence.com, which draws on the latest data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said that a paper and printing business with 100 staff this year faced an annual bill of £125,000 because of sickness absence, up an incredible 172% from £72,500 in 2006. In the construction industry, the cost of ill health has risen even more dramatically – up by over 200% from £49,200 in 2006 to £103,600 this year.

The most absent employees in 2007 were health workers who took, on average, 13 days off sick this year, while those in central government were close behind with an average of 11 days off per employee per year.

Ann Greenwood, director of business markets for BUPA UK Health Insurance, said: "Businesses need to understand the impact that sickness absence can have on them, in terms of their performance, productivity and efficiency, as well as the effect it will have on their employees. Costofabsence.com provides an instant calculation tailored to any organisation whatever shape or size. The figures are likely to be a shock to many companies."