UK research into Xmas 'sickies'

One in ten people will "throw a sickie" to do their Christmas shopping, according to a survey.

The research, carried out by MSN, shows people who work in tourism and leisure are 20 per cent more likely to take a day off for the purpose than anyone else.

The results also show that fake cases of "man-flu" are highly likely, as men are 67 per cent more inclined to have time off than women.

Finance journalist Emma-Lou Montgomery says she wouldn't "throw a sickie" in the Isle of Man for fear of being seen (play attached audio file):

(Picture: Christmas shoppers in Strand Street, Douglas earlier this month).