In the UK the maximum sickness rate was found in Wales and an average of about 6.5 days was being missed by workers in Wales.

As compared to private firms, public sector had a higher level of sickness absence, according to a study of 120 organisations by information firm XpertHR. Wales has a larger public sector.

The percentage of time lost through sickness absence has fallen to less than three, the study showed and this is a slow but sure decline in the figures.

Emma Watkins, CBI Wales director, said, "The continued decline in absence rates is part of a welcome longer-term trend. Employers have realised that a more proactive approach to managing absence can prevent injury or illness in the first place, while the introduction of the `fit note' has started to encourage GPs to look at how they can keep individuals engaged with work where possible."

There have been people seen absent due to being sick throughout the country with Wales topping the list, however. About 10 months back Frost-Black review of sickness absence was published and it stated that there was a decline in the figures.