Across Britain the average is 4.5 days a year, but it is 5.9 in Wales. The lowest rate is in the South West of England, at four days a year on average.
There are 32 million workers in the UK, who take a total of 145 million sick days a year, found a study of data from the Office for National Statistics by claims.co.uk.
The personal injury experts found minor illnesses such as coughs and colds were the most common reasons.
Brian Lowe, 47, of Tenby, South Wales, who runs a carpentry business, said: “I used to take the odd sick day when I was employed as a carpenter, but since starting my own business I’ve realised how frustrating it is.”
“If you are genuinely sick, then fine – get better at home.”
“But, if you’ve got a sniffle or a hangover, get yourself into work.”
