Nearly half of working adults pull a sickie during Christmas period and more than half put on a ‘fake voice’ to make it more believable

Six in 10 workers who call in sick during the festive season put on a fake voice to make their illness sound more convincing, according to a new survey.

The poll of 2,000 working adults revealed that nearly half of Britain’s workforce plans to fake an illness this December as the Christmas social calendar fills up.

Some employees are going to extraordinary lengths to make their fabricated ailments appear genuine, with many opting for vocal performances during their sick calls.

The survey found that Christmas parties are the top reason for faking illness, with 29 per cent of workers planning to use this excuse.

Staying out too late celebrating with friends and family was cited by 27 per cent of respondents as their reason for calling in sick.

A quarter of workers blamed general festive burnout from too much socialising as their motivation for faking illness.

Six per cent of employees avoid the awkward phone call entirely by asking someone else to report their absence.

Scottish workers are the most likely to fake illness, taking an average of four days off in December, while showing the least remorse with only 21 per cent feeling guilty.

In contrast, Londoners experience the most guilt about faking illness, with 45 per cent admitting to feeling bad about it.

Yorkshire residents tend to only take sick days when genuinely needed, while 37 per cent of workers in the West Midlands are comfortable calling in sick for an extra day off.

Lorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for Fireball Whisky which commissioned the research, said: “People can go to such great lengths to fake a sick day – especially by using a fake voice.”

“Attitudes towards sick days vary as some regions are clearly more relaxed about taking time off,” he added.

The study revealed that 38 per cent of workers spend their fake sick days sleeping.

A further 27 per cent use the time to be with friends and family.

Upon returning to work after a fake sick day, 32 per cent of employees reported feeling refreshed and ready to resume their duties.

The survey also revealed significant support for workplace flexibility during the holiday period.

A clear majority of 62 per cent of workers said they would support their workplace offering additional “flexible leave” during the festive season.