Older workers half as likely to take a sick day than young

The figures show the worth of 'more mature workers' to businesses

44 per cent of young people have pretended to be ill to have a day off work (Corbis)

Workers in their 20s are about twice as likely to have a sick day compared to their older colleagues, an insurance company has found.

While only a quarter of over-50s took time off for ill-health in the past year, about half of those aged 20 to 29 did so, according to the firm RIAS.

Peter Corfield, the managing director at RIAS, told The Daily Telgraph: “Over-50s workers continue to be a vital part of the British workforce and they should be recognised for the contribution they make. They bring a wealth of experience, ambition and knowledge that cannot be overestimated.

“It is key that we understand that workers in their 50s and 60s are not old, they are hard-working and dedicated, and very much want to work.

“The added benefit to UK business in employing more mature workers is that if they take less time off sick, businesses will save a small fortune in lost sick days every year.”

Just 10 per cent of over-50s said they had spent more time off than necessary while 55 per cent of 20- to 39-year-olds said they had.

And while 44 per cent of younger people pretended to be ill to have a day off - for reasons including being too tired to get up, having a hangover or to avoid a work colleague - only 12 per cent of over-50s said they did this.