1.8 Million Brits plan to skip work to Christmas shop

Published:

10/11/2008

Topic:

Press Release,Shopping

A study by moneysupermarket Shopping reveals almost two million employees plan to have a day off sick to go Christmas shopping...

• Research uncovers a new breed of 'Santa sickie'
• Festive absence set to cost UK businesses over £164million

A study by Moneysupermarket Shopping reveals that almost two million employees plan to have a day off sick to go Christmas shopping in an act referred to as a 'throwing a Santa sickie'.¹

According to the study one in every 20 employees plans to call in sick to work to allow them more time for their Christmas shopping.  Young workers are the worst offenders with one in ten under-20s planning to throw a Santa sickie.

And if these predicted sickies go ahead, UK businesses stand to lose over £164million in wages paid out for work not done over the festive period.²

Extended 'festive lunch breaks' are also set to be an issue for employers as one in six workers plans to take more than their allocated hour in order to get all their shopping done. 

However, it is men who are more likely to throw a Santa sickie with one in sixteen men planning to fake man flu for extra hours at the shops.  This compares with just one in 25 women. 

The kings and queens of the Santa sickie can be found in the North West of England.  By contrast, employees in Yorkshire are the most law abiding.  Just one per cent of workers in the region plan to take a day an unscheduled day off work to go shopping.

Rob Barnes, Head of Moneysupermarket Shopping said: "The research shows that Christmas shopping takes a lot of time, more time than many people feel they have in the run up to the festive season.  However, the potential cost of the Santa sickie to employers and to career prospects of employees is massive.  So, if shopping at the weekends is your idea of hell or simply not practical, shopping online might be a good alternative. This year, 27 million people plan to do their Christmas shopping online.  Open 24 hours, seven days a week and with many goods available at lower prices than on the high street, it's a sensible solution to an annual headache.  And it should keep your boss in a festive mood."
 
Visit www.moneysupermarket.com today to find out how much you can save.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Based on UK Working Age Population of 37.7 million (2006)
2. National Statistics - based on average 'per day' salary in the UK of £91.60.  Total loss of £164,880,000

• Research was commissioned by moneysupermarket.com and carried out by Opinium Research LLP.  An online poll of 2,063 adults was conducted between 3rd and 7th October 2008. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

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