Ananova:

A case of the winter blues means more workers will call in sick today than on any other day of the year.

Surveys suggest the first Monday in February is the worst day for absenteeism, leading it to be dubbed National Sickie Day.

Around 30,000 staff are predicted not to show up for work this morning, costing the economy millions.

Post-Christmas blues, poor weather, credit card bills and a long wait for the next holiday are all being blamed.

Peter Mooney, of Employersafe, which monitors staff absenteeism, said: "We advise our clients to keep a particularly close eye on staff taking this day off.

"Although some will be swinging the lead, employers must also acknowledge many are off work with genuine ailments.

"That's why it is important to monitor absenteeism to work out who is genuine and who is faking it."