Today is 'sickest' day of year as gloom descends
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More people are expected to call in sick today than on any other day of the year, according to research. A combination of post-Christmas blues, the weather and economic gloom will prompt more people to take a day off. Some 30,000 staff missed work this time last year.
The Britain Under Pressure report by Friends Provident found nearly two-thirds of the nation is more prone to illness and more stressed than three years ago.
Recession concerns mean that one in five people are sleeping less while more than a third are worrying more.
The authors of the report warn this could potentially trigger anything from headaches to clinical depression, or a range of stress-related illnesses.
They said that National Sickie Day could become a much more serious and long-term problem in years to come, as Britons anticipate their unhealthy habits will get worse.
The research found that 18-30-year-olds had the most unhealthy habits; with 51 per cent regularly eating take away meals, 36 per cent frequently buying ready meals and 35% drinking more than they should.
Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident, said: "Our research shows that the UK's health is being affected by the credit crunch.
"As Britons feel increasingly unwell and stressed, action is needed.
"People need to make more effort to protect and care for themselves, otherwise National Sickie Day could be the start of a long-term national health issue."
The report showed that addressing unhealthy lifestyles is low on the list of priorities for many Britons.
Almost half the nation never or hardly ever exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week, while 33 per cent rarely or never eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
And only one in five acknowledge that they do all they can to look after their body and health.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments