The most common reasons for sickness are colds, stress, emotional problems and back complaints.

A report from the Work Foundation found that absenteeism was most rife in the public and voluntary sectors.

A poll of personal managers said that the introduction of flexible working into UK industry could help reduce worker sick days.

Public Sector sickness

According to Work Foundation research, employees took an average of nine days off sick during 2002, an increase from six and half days the previous year.

The total absence rate was over 4% last year across the UK, up from 2.9% in 2001, and the highest rate since figures were first collected in 1996.

Five most common excuses

Cold/flu Bad stomach Migraine Stress/personal problems Back problems Source; Work Foundation

Workers in the public and voluntary sectors appeared to suffer more than their peers in other sectors, and each took an average of 17.5 days off last year.

Most workers blamed a combination of colds, flu, headaches and food poisoning for their absence.

Flexible work

But the poll of 400 personnel managers revealed that employers believed their workers took time off to look after family members, stress or simply because of low morale.

They suggested that introducing more flexible working hours would allow workers the chance to deal with personal and family issues.

"Organisations may find that flexible work practices help people manage their responsibilities more effectively," said Stephen Bevan, deputy director of research at the Work Foundation.

Mr Bevan added that enhanced maternity and paternity rights - including the new right for parents to ask for family friendly working practices - which are due to take effect in April, should help reduce the absence rate of women employees.