Five of the best reasons for calling in sick

If you've been out late on a "school night" and are thinking of taking the day off work, Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, says the best policy for calling in sick is honesty.

Biggins told the Daily Telegraph that it was obviously for the best not to take unnecessary days off, but that "if you're honest and open with them... you never know, they may grant you a bit of time out if you really do need it."

That's all well and good, but the reality is very few are likely to be honest if their reasons are self-inflicted or fall short of genuine illness.

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CV-Library conducted a survey and found 80 per cent of workers have taken at least one day off in the past year, with many - including 65 per cent of 55-64 year olds - saying they have taken time off for sleep deprivation or lack of energy.

But often the excuses given to employers have been very different. Here are five of the most eye-catching reasons employees have asked their bosses for a day off work:

1. "There are cows in my garden so I can't get to work"

2. "My hamster is sick and needs to go to the vet"

3. "My boyfriend changed his relationship status on Facebook to single"

4. "I lost a darts tournament last night and I am too traumatised to come in"

5. "I have blisters from wearing new shoes on Saturday night"

Biggins added: "While it might seem like a good idea at the time, many workers are feeling the guilt, recognising that their decisions have a wider impact on their team and workload.”