THE "sickie season" is about to reach its climax tomorrow.

Over Christmas and New Year aftermath last year, 66 million days were lost across public services alone, costing tax payers more than £3 billion. Nearly 14 per cent - or 9 million - were considered not genuine, costing the economy £1.2 billion.

The first day back after Boxing Day (Wednesday December 27) and the day after the New Year Bank Holiday have the highest recorded number of people off sick compared to any other days of the year.

According to The Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP) which issued the figures, sick days cause a headache for payroll staff because they have to cover the salaries of people who are absent, pay overtime and provide the wages for temporary cover.

By law, if you are an employee and unable to work because you are ill, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but some employers have their own sick pay scheme instead (Occupational Sick Pay).

Maurice Cheng, chief executive of IPP, said: "Over recent years it has been frequently documented that during January and February there are a higher number of absentees than in any other month of the year. This can potentially lead to a lot of extra hours by the payroll department who have to work out each person's eligibility."