With the workplace Christmas party season in full swing, UK businesses could be losing over £216 million in ‘sick days’, according to figures released today.

The Aviva ‘Morning After…’ report reveals 2.31 million UK workers have called in sick after drinking too much or having an accident at a work Christmas party – resulting in £216 million lost to the British economy, based on CBI calculations of absence costs.

Men are over twice as likely as women (88 per cent more likely) to call in sick after the office party, and directors and managers are significantly more likely (67 per cent more likely) to call in sick than the rest of the workforce.

Despite the recession, almost two thirds (61 per cent) of UK businesses are still planning a party and workers’ festive spirits have not been dampened – over a quarter (26 per cent) say the stresses of 2009 mean people are likely to get more drunk and rowdy than usual.

Employees will drink on average 7.3 units of alcohol at their Christmas party; men plan to drink an average of 9.6 units nearly three times the recommended limit for men of 3-4 units per day. Women say they are likely to drink an average of 5.6 units – well over twice the recommended daily limit of 2-3 units.

And alcohol-related accidents at Christmas parties are rife, with nearly a third (31 per cent) resulting in hospital treatment. The most common office party mishaps are:

• Falling over dancing
• Slipping on spilt drinks
• Falling off furniture / a stage
• Passing out
• Walking into a wall / object

Surprisingly, a third (33 per cent) of workers are honest about the reason for absence, while those who use illness as an excuse are most likely to claim flu (23 per cent). Other popular excuses include food poisoning and migraines.

Dr Doug Wright, principal clinical consultant at Aviva UK Health said: “After what has been a stressful year for many, it’s understandable people want to let their hair down this Christmas.”

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