BLACK Tuesday was not as black as it was painted in Yorkshire.

The post Yuletide "sickies" endured by some companies in the UK have not affected the region's companies as severely.

Penny Hemming, pictured, chief executive of the Yorkshire branch of the Confederation Of British Injury, said: "I don't believe our businesses are badly affected. They are mostly very careful about organising cover.

"Throwing a sickie' is not acceptable at any time, but many employees quite legitimately choose the festive period to take holiday owed, especially as their children have extended time off from school."