Some eight out of ten companies have had staff pull a sick day because of the good weather, while seven out of ten employees admit the heatwave has tempted them to stay off work.

New research of 7,023 businesses by employment law firm Peninsula found that eight out of ten have reported staff pulling a 'sickie' this week, with the substantial rise being attributed to the short week and sudden hot weather, which may be of note to graduates lamenting the end of their long summer breaks.

Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula said today "If hot and sunny summers are going to be the result of global warming then the problem of workers pulling a 'sickie' will get worse.

"If you're tempted to take time off work because of the hot weather, then you're not alone, but before doing so think about how unfair it is towards your employer and fellow colleagues."

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