The level of sick absences from the workplace has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years, according to a report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The report found that the figure fell last year by four million days to 164 million days, although the CBI added that there is still too much absenteeism in many workplaces and that 13% of sick days are not genuine.

The total cost of lost days to the economy is currently £13bn.

CBI deputy director general, John Cridland, said: “Hard work by companies to manage absence is clearly paying off, with overall absenteeism coming down. But so much more can be done.”

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, commented: “This report smashes the myth that the UK is a nation of shirkers. In fact, the reverse is true and many people still struggle into work when they are far too ill to do so.”