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.That the British are workshy, skive off and go sick whenever possible is a treasured part of our self-image, up there with other famous national traits as having a stiff upper lip and professing indifference to rain.
Innacurate and stereotypical as these images may be, it is still surprising to learn that the average British employee took fewer days off sick last year, 6.4 to be precise, than in any year since 1987. That is as far back as the Confederation of British Industry's research into the subject goes, so it may be even longer than 23 years.
What lies behind this silent revolution in the nation's working habits – this abandonment of tradition? The CBI figures are silent. A new generation of smiling bosses whom no one wants to let down by staying at home? The creation of enticing workplaces, full of pot plants, water features and chill-out areas? The cult of the "fulfilling" job may also have played its part in making the business of pulling "sickies" far less fashionable than it was.
Historically, these matters go in cycles. Victorian Britons were almost slaves to their bosses but their, and our, ancestors, before the Reformation, spent at least a quarter of the working year "off", celebrating saints days. The workshy Brit may be in retreat but let's not be too hasty. His or her day may come again.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments