Staff going sick from hangovers
Hangovers are forcing more people to take days off work in Cambridge than anywhere else in the country, according to a survey.
A poll of office workers in cities across Britain revealed 67 per cent of those questioned in Cambridge said they had taken a "sickie" from work because they were hung over.
The city topped the league table, beating Edinburgh, where 63 per cent of people said they had missed work after drinking, and Coventry, where 56 per cent of people admitted taking days off to recover, in second and third place.
A spokesman for charity Alcohol Concern said: "We know that something like 17 million sick days are taken due to illnesses caused by drinking too much in Britain, at an estimated cost of nearly £4 billion to the economy.
"It's important to remember that a hangover is an example of your body telling you that it can't cope with your level of drinking."
The survey, carried out by hotel chain Travelodge, asked 2,000 people across the UK about their drinking habits, and came up with some other surprising results.
A total of 42 per cent of people said they had fallen asleep at work at their desk after a heavy night out, 24 per cent said they had taken a nap in the toilet at work, 10 per cent said they had crept out to their car for a snooze and 3 per cent had slept in a cupboard.
Of those questioned, 28 per cent said they had vomited at work because of a bad hangover, of whom 90 per cent made it to the toilet, and of those who phoned in to take a day off after drinking, 35 per cent said they admitted to their boss why they were feeling under-the-weather.
A doctor has warned drinkers to be careful when boozing.
Dr Amanda Jones of the Suffolk PCT public health team said: "It is possible to enjoy yourself but still take precautions to minimise the adverse effects of drinking alcohol.
"Those who feel unwell the day after drinking too much alcohol are advised to drink lots of water, eat as soon as they can and remember not to drive as their alcohol level may still be over the legal limit."
Cambridge Evening News
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